Well water in Union County contains radon, PFOS, and arsenic. Radon and PFOS exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention, while arsenic is present but at lower concern levels.
Radon comes from natural decay of radioactive elements in the crystalline rock beneath the county. PFOS is a human-made chemical that enters groundwater through industrial use and contaminated sites. Arsenic occurs naturally in the rock and can dissolve into water as it moves through the ground.
Groundwater in this county is soft with low iron, sodium, and sulfate, reflecting the composition of the crystalline bedrock. The hard granite and metamorphic rock here does not contribute dissolved minerals the way carbonate rock does in neighboring areas. Soft water with minimal mineral content is the norm across wells in Union County.
Wells in Union County contain PFOS and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body over time and can affect your immune system, thyroid, and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and enters water through wells. Breathing radon gas from water or bathing in radon-contaminated water increases your risk of lung cancer and stomach cancer.
The minerals in Union County wells are at low levels, so you should not experience staining, scale buildup, or unusual taste or odor in your water. Your appliances should not wear out faster than normal from mineral buildup.
Since multiple contaminants exceed EPA standards in this county, a comprehensive water test is recommended to find out exactly what is in your well. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what needs to be treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or radon removal systems can address these specific concerns.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 26 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 26 | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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