Radon, manganese, and iron are present in Otsego County's groundwater and all exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough to warrant testing and possible treatment.
The limestone rock beneath this county naturally contains radioactive elements that break down and release radon into the water. As water moves slowly through the limestone, it dissolves manganese and iron from the rock. Road salt and septic systems can also contribute small amounts of additional minerals to some wells.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock. Moderate iron levels are also a natural feature of water flowing through this rock type. These characteristics appear across many wells in the county.
Wells in Otsego County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate. Iron and manganese can affect the nervous system and organs over time with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and poses serious health risks when breathed in over years. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues in some people.
The moderately hard water in county wells leaves rust-colored or brown stains on fixtures, sinks, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in the water. Hard water reduces how well soap works and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time. Iron buildup can also clog pipes and reduce water flow.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, 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 is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like radon mitigation systems, iron filters, and water softeners can address these concerns once you know your results.
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 | 20 | 45% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 44 | 36% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 45 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 45 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 48 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 24 | 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 | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 3* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 3* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 45 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 50 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 44 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 3* | 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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