Well Water in Albany County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Albany County contains manganese, iron, radon, chloride, nitrate, and PFOA that exceed EPA health standards. These levels are concerning enough that well owners in the county should test their water.

The limestone and carbonate rock beneath Albany County naturally releases iron and manganese as water moves through it over time. Radon seeps upward from radioactive elements within that same rock. Chloride and nitrate come from human sources--road salt, septic systems, and fertilizers--which leach downward into the groundwater below.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock, and also contains moderate iron from that same geological source. As water sits in contact with limestone, these minerals dissolve and accumulate in the groundwater. Hard water and elevated iron are common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Albany County commonly contain chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated levels can damage pipes and affect people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Nitrate poses serious risks to infants and young children, interfering with how blood carries oxygen. Manganese can harm brain development, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters homes through water and increases lung cancer risk over time. PFOA is a chemical linked to health problems including liver damage and immune system effects.

County well water tends to be moderately hard, which means scale can build up inside pipes and reduce water flow. The moderate iron content stains laundry, fixtures, and plumbing, leaving reddish or brownish marks that are difficult to remove. Water may taste metallic or bitter. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by forcing them to work harder.

We recommend testing your well to find out what you actually have, since every well is different and yours may contain higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your specific water needs. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and can identify all these concerns. Depending on results, treatment options range from simple filters to water softeners and radon removal systems.