Well Water in Salem County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Salem County contains iron, manganese, radon, nitrate, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA and PFOS chemicals. Many of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for your well.

Iron and manganese come from the sandy and clay layers beneath Salem County. These minerals dissolve naturally as water moves through the ground. Radon seeps up from radioactive uranium in the rock below. Nitrate, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA enter from human activities--fertilizers, road salt, industrial discharge, and old dumps or manufacturing sites. Neighboring counties have the same aquifer and face similar challenges.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and notably high in iron, driven by dissolved iron and moderate calcium from the sandy layers below. Iron concentration in these wells is substantial enough that it shows up across many water samples in the county. Moderate sodium levels also reflect salt sources from road and land use in the area.

Wells in Salem County contain radon, chloride, iron, manganese, and PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Chloride, nitrate, and sulfate at elevated levels can harm kidneys and affect blood pressure, especially for infants and people with certain health conditions. Manganese can damage the nervous system with long-term exposure. PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to liver damage, thyroid problems, and immune system effects.

The minerals in county wells cause practical problems in your home. High iron stains laundry, dishes, and fixtures orange or brown, and it can clog pipes and reduce water pressure. The water may have a metallic taste or smell. Moderately hard water leaves scale buildup on fixtures and in appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

We recommend testing your well water right away because every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like radon removal systems, water softeners, and carbon filtration can address these concerns once you know your specific results.