Well Water in Ulster County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Ulster County contains manganese, radon, iron, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA and PFOS chemicals. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and deserve your attention.

The limestone rock beneath Ulster County naturally releases iron and manganese as water moves through it over time. Radon seeps from cracks in this same bedrock. Chloride and sulfate enter the groundwater from road salt, agricultural use, and septic systems. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some wells through past manufacturing or disposal practices.

Groundwater in Ulster County is soft with moderate iron as its main mineral character. Iron dissolves from the limestone and iron-bearing minerals in the bedrock as acidic groundwater flows through it. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county, though individual wells vary in their exact water quality.

Wells in Ulster County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can harm the immune system, thyroid, and liver with long-term exposure. Manganese affects nervous system development, especially in children. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can damage plumbing and affect people with certain health conditions.

Iron in county wells creates reddish-brown staining on fixtures, clothes, and dishes that is hard to remove. You might notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. Iron can also build up scale inside pipes and appliances. The water in this county tends to be soft, so you probably won't see heavy white crusty buildup, but iron staining is a real quality-of-life issue for many families here.

We recommend testing your well water. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what contaminants are actually in your water so you can treat them properly. A comprehensive metals and radon panel typically costs $200-400 and will give you a complete picture. Iron filters and radon removal systems are both available treatment options.