Well Water in Lewis County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lewis County contains arsenic, radon, and iron, all detected at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough to require your attention.

Arsenic and radon come from natural sources in the carbonate rock beneath the county. The limestone and other carbonate minerals that make up the bedrock naturally contain arsenic, and radioactive elements in the rock break down over time to release radon gas into groundwater. Iron also comes from the rock itself--it dissolves into water as it moves through the carbonate layers underground.

Groundwater in this county is soft and characterized by moderate iron content. The soft character reflects the carbonate rock composition, which does not dissolve to create hardness the way some other rock types do. Moderate iron is common across wells in the county because iron is naturally present throughout the carbonate bedrock.

Wells in Lewis County contain arsenic, chloride, iron, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is radioactive and causes lung cancer when breathed in. Chloride at high levels harms people with certain heart and kidney conditions. Iron above health standards can damage organs and affect how your body uses oxygen.

The moderate iron in county wells can leave orange or brown stains on fixtures, clothes, and in showers. Staining appears in sinks, tubs, and laundry, and the water may taste metallic. The good news is that wells here are soft, so you should not see scale buildup on appliances or experience shortened water heater and dishwasher lifespans from hardness.

Because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county, a comprehensive panel is recommended to see exactly what is in your well. Every well in Lewis County is different--your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what you are actually drinking and bathing in so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or radon mitigation can address these contaminants once you know your results.