Wells in Sussex County draw water from carbonate rock aquifers, and owners should be aware of radon, uranium, arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, and PFOS. Multiple contaminants in this county exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important.
These contaminants come from two sources. Radon and uranium occur naturally as the slightly acidic groundwater dissolves minerals from the carbonate bedrock. Arsenic also forms naturally in this rock. Chloride enters from road salt applied to roads and driveways. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater in some areas.
Groundwater in Sussex County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock below. Water dissolves these minerals as it flows through cracks and fractures in the limestone. Hard water is the dominant characteristic across tested wells in this county.
Wells in Sussex County commonly exceed EPA health standards for radon, uranium, arsenic, chloride, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase your risk of lung cancer over time. Uranium is also radioactive and can damage your kidneys with long-term exposure. Arsenic builds up in your body and can harm your kidneys and increase cancer risk. Nitrate is dangerous for infants and can affect how blood carries oxygen. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that accumulate in your body and may affect your immune system and liver.
Sussex County has very hard water, which means you will see thick white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap and shampoo work poorly and can leave spots on dishes and clothes. Over time, extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice spots and buildup on fixtures throughout your home.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel because multiple analytes exceed health standards. 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 metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters and aeration systems can address different 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 72 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 73 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Uranium | 31 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 59 | 17% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 178 | 15% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 179 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 176 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 148 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 116 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 156 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 74 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 138 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 99 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 179 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 73 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 74 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 165 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 74 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 191 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 166 | — | High | 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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