Well Water in Montgomery County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Montgomery County contains pfos, radon, iron, lead, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations high enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

The Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system in this county is more vulnerable to contamination than the hard rock aquifers found in neighboring counties. Radon comes from naturally radioactive minerals in the rock and soil. Iron and lead can come from both natural rock sources and corrosion of well pipes or plumbing. Pfos is a human-made chemical that persists in groundwater once it enters, often from industrial areas or certain firefighting materials. Chloride can build up in groundwater from road salt or natural sources.

Groundwater in Montgomery County is soft with moderate iron as the main mineral character. Iron concentrates here because the sand and clay layers that hold the water contain iron-bearing minerals that naturally dissolve into the groundwater. This combination of softness and moderate iron is common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Montgomery County commonly have chloride, iron, lead, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead can damage the brain and kidneys, especially in children and babies. PFOS is a forever chemical linked to liver damage and immune system problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart or kidney conditions.

The good news is that the county's water is soft, which means you probably won't see heavy scale buildup on your faucets or inside your pipes. However, iron in the water can create orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry, and it can give water a metallic taste and smell.

We recommend getting your well tested for a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, bacteria, nitrate, and chemical contaminants. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is typical in the county. A full panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on what testing reveals, treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can remove many of these contaminants.