Groundwater in Somerset County contains manganese, iron, radon, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed the EPA's health standards, so well owners should test their water and consider treatment.
The crystalline rock beneath Somerset County naturally releases manganese and iron as water moves through cracks and fractures in the stone. Radon gas seeps from the rock itself. Chloride and sulfate come partly from the rock and partly from road salt and other surface sources that seep downward over time. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater in scattered locations across the county from past manufacturing and use.
Groundwater in Somerset County is moderately high in iron and sodium, driven by minerals dissolving from the crystalline rock as water filters through it. The moderate iron levels come from the iron-bearing minerals common in this type of rock formation. These characteristics are widespread across Somerset County wells, though the degree varies from well to well depending on depth and local geology.
Wells in Somerset County show several contaminants at levels above EPA health standards. Chloride, PFOS, PFOA, and sulfate can harm your body if you drink them over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk when breathed in your home. Manganese and iron at high levels can cause nervous system problems in children and affect how your body uses other nutrients.
County well water contains moderate amounts of iron and sodium that create everyday problems. Iron stains laundry, dishes, and fixtures orange or brown. High iron and manganese can make water taste bad or smell like metal. These minerals can also build up inside water heaters and appliances, shortening how long they last.
We recommend you test your well water right away with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and will show you what you are dealing with. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or activated carbon can remove many of these contaminants.
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 | 10 | 67% | Low | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 51 | 65% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 19 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 82 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 74 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 51 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 14 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 73 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 51 | — | 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.
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.
Loading recent water news…