Groundwater in Rockland County contains radon, PFOA, manganese, iron, and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
The bedrock underlying Rockland County releases radon naturally and contains minerals that dissolve into groundwater, contributing to manganese and iron. PFOA and PFOS come from industrial and commercial land use, where these chemicals have contaminated shallow groundwater. The fractured rock allows water and contaminants to move through it, bringing these substances into private wells.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate iron levels and low sodium creating the water's mineral character. Water moving through the fractured rock picks up iron and calcium as it flows, which concentrates these minerals in the groundwater. These characteristics show up across many wells throughout the county.
Rockland County wells commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect your nervous system and organs over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to serious health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system effects. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters through groundwater and increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in your home.
County wells show moderate hardness with moderate iron levels. This causes reddish-brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic taste in your water. Iron buildup inside pipes and on appliance parts can shorten the lifespan of your water heater and dishwasher over time.
Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis filters, activated carbon, or radon mitigation systems can address your specific contaminants.
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 | 6 | 83% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 78 | 53% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 14 | 14% | Low | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 79 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 19 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Chloride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrate | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 79 | — | Moderate | 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.
Loading recent water news…