Groundwater in Greene County contains radon, chloride, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and sulfate also reach elevated concentrations, making these contaminants a concern for well owners in this area.
Radon enters groundwater naturally from radioactive decay in the limestone and carbonate rock beneath the county. Chloride and PFOS come from different sources--chloride seeps in from road salt and natural sources, while PFOS is a human-made chemical that has contaminated some groundwater. Sulfate also occurs naturally as water dissolves minerals from the surrounding rock.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low levels of iron, sodium, and hardness minerals. The limestone bedrock contributes some calcium and magnesium, but not enough to make the water hard. These soft-water characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Greene County.
Groundwater in Greene County contains chloride, PFOS, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. PFOS is a chemical linked to health effects including liver damage, thyroid problems, and immune system impacts. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect people with certain health conditions, particularly those on sodium-restricted diets or with kidney issues.
The good news is that Greene County well water is soft with low iron and low sodium. You won't face the staining, scale buildup, or metallic tastes that plague harder water areas. Appliances like water heaters should not be shortened by mineral deposits. This county's water tends to be clean and clear in appearance.
Because your well water may contain multiple contaminants, we recommend a comprehensive test that checks for metals, minerals, and radon. Every well is different, and your property's water could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what's actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400 and will guide any treatment decisions like radon ventilation or activated carbon filters.
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 | 70 | 44% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 10 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 70 | 21% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 72 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 17 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 58 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 60 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 3* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 61 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 66 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 18 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 61 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Fecal Coliform | 3* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 3* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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