Groundwater in Essex County contains radon, per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHXS), and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron, manganese, and sulfate are also present above safe thresholds, making testing and awareness important for well owners.
These contaminants come from two main sources. Radon enters naturally from radioactive elements in the bedrock. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater from past manufacturing and military activities in this densely populated area. Chloride seeps in from road salt applied during winter, which is heavy in Essex County due to frequent snow and ice.
Groundwater in Essex County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the sedimentary rock layers beneath the surface. These minerals dissolve readily into water as it moves through the basin, and the hardness is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Essex County commonly exceed EPA health standards for radon, PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, and PFNA. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, and PFNA are industrial chemicals linked to health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system effects. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can cause health concerns for people with heart disease or high blood pressure, and for infants drinking formula made with the water.
Essex County wells are very hard, which means scale builds up on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice white or chalky deposits in your kitchen and bathroom. The moderate sodium levels can add a slightly salty taste to your water.
Every well in this county is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals, minerals, and chemicals panel, which usually costs $200 to $400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters, depending on what testing reveals.
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 ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 123 | 63% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 59 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 123 | 20% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 57 | 18% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 59 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 58 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 123 | 2% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 123 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 123 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 59 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 123 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 65 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 57 | — | 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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