Warren County's groundwater contains manganese, radon, PFOA, and several other contaminants including chloride, sulfate, iron, uranium, and PFOS that exceed EPA health standards. These elevated levels represent serious health concerns that require attention and testing.
The carbonate limestone rock beneath Warren County naturally releases manganese, iron, and radon as groundwater moves through cracks and dissolves the mineral-rich stone. Chloride and sulfate enter from road salt spread on highways that seeps downward through thin soils into the aquifer below. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater in scattered locations across the county, likely from industrial sites or past disposal practices.
Groundwater in Warren County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the carbonate bedrock. The county's limestone also contributes dissolved iron at moderate levels. These mineral and contaminant characteristics are common across wells tested in this county, though individual wells vary in what they contain.
Wells in Warren County commonly contain multiple contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect kidney function and digestion over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure through inhalation. Uranium and the industrial chemicals PFOS and PFOA pose serious health concerns with prolonged exposure. Manganese and iron at high levels can affect brain development and organ function.
The moderately hard water in county wells leaves white crusty scale buildup on faucets, fixtures, and inside pipes. Iron causes rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time. You may also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water.
We recommend testing your well comprehensively because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your well may have much higher or lower levels than what is common here. 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 costs between $200 and $400 and will identify which contaminants need addressing. Treatment systems like aeration and activated carbon filters can remove radon, iron, and other contaminants from your water.
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 | 2 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 19 | 58% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 58 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 14 | 23% | Low | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 58 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Uranium | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 58 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 88 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 34 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 81 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 17 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 58 | — | 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…