Well Water in Broome County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Broome County contains radon, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards, along with chloride, sulfate, and PFOA and PFOS. Several of these contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough to warrant testing and possible treatment.

These contaminants come from mixed sources. Radon forms naturally from radioactive minerals in the fractured rock beneath the county. Iron dissolves into the water as it moves slowly through the rock layers. Lead and chloride enter from old pipes and infrastructure, while chloride also comes from road salt applied during winter months. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some wells through land use and waste disposal.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated iron being the most notable mineral characteristic. Iron dissolves from the rock as water passes through it, and these moderate iron levels appear across many wells in the county. Hard water and iron at these concentrations are common enough in Broome County that testing and treatment planning should be part of responsible well ownership.

Wells in Broome County commonly contain lead, radon, chloride, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Lead damages children's brain development and nervous system function, even at low levels. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with high blood pressure or heart disease. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to serious health problems including cancer, immune system damage, and thyroid disease.

County well water has moderate iron levels that create noticeable quality-of-life problems. You may see rust-colored staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes that is difficult to remove. Iron can give water a metallic taste and cause buildup inside pipes and appliances. The moderately hard water here can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel that includes radon and PFOA/PFOS screening. 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 panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like radon aeration systems and activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants.