Groundwater in Orleans County contains arsenic, radon, iron, manganese, and sulfate--several of which exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels. The combination of radon, iron, and manganese is particularly notable given the severity shown in your county's data.
The bedrock and soil composition in this region naturally releases iron and manganese as water passes through. Radon enters from uranium decay in the underlying rock layers. Sulfate also dissolves naturally from minerals in the mixed-rock geology beneath the county. These are not pollution problems but the result of your area's natural geology.
Groundwater in Orleans County is very hard, primarily driven by dissolved calcium and magnesium along with iron and sulfate that add to the mineral load. The mixed-rock aquifer here holds these minerals as water sits in contact with the rock for long periods. These characteristics show up across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Orleans County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer and damage to your organs. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs when you breathe and increases your risk of lung cancer. Manganese can harm your brain and nervous system, especially in children. Iron and sulfate at high levels can cause digestive problems.
The very hard water in this county leaves scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes, which reduces water flow and clogs appliances. You may notice rust stains on sinks and laundry, or a metallic taste in your water. Hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap becomes less effective, making it harder to clean dishes and laundry.
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 well so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like radon removal systems, water softeners, and iron filters can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 11 | 64% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 14 | 36% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 14 | 29% | Low | High | |
| Sulfate | 16 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 14 | 7% | Low | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 5* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 5* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 16 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 30 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 16 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 5* | 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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