Groundwater in Kent County contains chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which is a serious concern requiring immediate testing and action.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron, manganese, and sulfate dissolve naturally from the mixed rock layers beneath Kent County as groundwater moves slowly through them in low-oxygen conditions. Chloride and the PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS) enter from human sources--road salt soaks down from highways and streets, while PFAS chemicals come from industrial activities and products like firefighting foam that have contaminated groundwater over time.
Groundwater in Kent County is very hard and elevated in iron and sulfate. Calcium and magnesium from the underlying rock create the hardness, while iron dissolves from iron-bearing minerals in the mixed sediment and bedrock. This combination of very hard water with high iron is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Kent County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, and PFNA. Chloride and the PFOA family of chemicals are of greatest concern. Exposure to these "forever chemicals" over months and years can harm the liver, thyroid, and immune system. Manganese can affect brain development and nervous system function, especially in children. Iron and manganese together pose serious risks to your family's health.
The mineral content in county wells creates significant everyday problems. Very hard water leaves white crusty scale on faucets and inside pipes. Iron causes orange and brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include iron removal systems, water softeners, and reverse osmosis systems.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 18 | 67% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 22 | 64% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 26 | 38% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 1630 | 24% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 1635 | 21% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 26 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 1640 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 1651 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 467 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 1649 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 25 | — | 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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