Well Water in Rockland County: What to Test and Why

Rockland County's groundwater contains radon, pfoa, manganese, chloride, iron, lead, and sulfate, with several of these exceeding EPA health standards. These contamination levels are concerning enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

Radon comes from natural radioactive decay in the bedrock beneath the county. Pfoa and pfos are industrial chemicals that have entered groundwater through soil contamination from manufacturing sites and other sources. Chloride comes from road salt applied during winter months, which seeps down through soil into the water below. Iron, manganese, and sulfate dissolve naturally as groundwater moves through the rocks and minerals underground.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated sodium, sulfate, and iron being the dominant minerals that shape its character. These minerals accumulate because water passing through Rockland County's mixed rock layers dissolves iron-bearing minerals and picks up salts along the way. The data shows these characteristics show up across many wells in the county.

Wells in Rockland County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, lead, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children, and can cause learning problems and developmental delays. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals linked to serious health effects including kidney and liver damage and weakened immunity. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Manganese at high levels can harm the brain and nervous system. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can aggravate heart disease and high blood pressure in people on restricted diets.

Wells in this county have moderate iron and sulfate levels and high sodium. You may notice reddish-brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes from iron. The water can taste metallic or salty from the minerals. Over time, mineral buildup can clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Scale may form on faucets and inside appliances.

We recommend a comprehensive water test right away since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in county wells. Every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is in your specific well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, or radon mitigation systems can help.