Well Water in Rensselaer County: What to Test and Why

Lead, radon, and chloride are present in Rensselaer County's groundwater and all three exceed EPA health standards. These are serious contaminants that require attention from well owners in this county.

Lead enters groundwater from old plumbing and service lines that corrode over time, while radon seeps in from radioactive decay within the bedrock itself. Chloride comes from road salt applied during winter months that soaks down into the water table. All three sources are active in this area.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate iron and low sodium and sulfate contributing to its mineral character. The moderate hardness and iron come from the non-carbonate rock that makes up the aquifer in this region. Most wells in Rensselaer County show these mineral characteristics.

Chloride, lead, and radon are present at elevated levels in wells throughout Rensselaer County. Lead damages the nervous system, especially in children, and can harm kidney function even at low exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Chloride at high levels can damage your kidneys and heart. These three contaminants pose serious health concerns that depend on how much reaches your family.

Wells in this county have moderate iron content, which causes orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and skin. The water may taste metallic or leave deposits in pipes and appliances. The moderately hard water can build scale inside your water heater and dishwasher, shortening their lifespan. You might notice reduced water flow over time as minerals accumulate in pipes.

We recommend testing your well right away because every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, bacteria, and radon costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water and what treatment your family needs. Treatment options for these contaminants include activated carbon filters for chloride and lead, plus radon removal systems like aeration or ventilation.