Groundwater in Oneida County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. These contaminants appear at concerning concentrations that warrant attention from well owners in this area.
The limestone bedrock beneath this county naturally releases iron and manganese as water seeps through it. Radon comes from radioactive minerals in the rock itself. Arsenic and nitrate also occur naturally in some areas, though nitrate can be elevated by fertilizer use or septic systems. Chloride and sulfate dissolve from the rock or enter from road salt and other sources.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock below. As water flows through limestone, it dissolves these minerals readily. Moderate iron is also present and adds to the overall mineral load. These hard-water characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Oneida County.
Wells in Oneida County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, nitrate, radon, and chloride. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can damage organs and increase cancer risk. Nitrate is dangerous for infants and can affect oxygen in the blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs and causes lung cancer. Chloride at elevated levels can harm your kidneys and cardiovascular system.
The mineral content in county wells creates visible and practical problems. Iron causes orange or brown staining in sinks, tubs, and laundry. The moderately hard water leaves scale buildup inside pipes and on fixtures, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some people notice a metallic taste or sulfur smell in their water.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options include radon ventilation systems, reverse osmosis filters, and water softeners depending on what you find.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 105 | 40% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 98 | 37% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 41 | 22% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 52 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 106 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 105 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 88 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 101 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 13* | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fecal Coliform | 13* | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 106 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 107 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 91 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 13* | 0% | Low | 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.
* 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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