Well Water in Washington County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Washington County contains radon, chloride, and arsenic. Chloride and radon exceed EPA health standards, which well owners should take seriously.

Radon comes from natural decay of radioactive elements in the carbonate rock beneath the county. Chloride enters groundwater from road salt and other sources on the land surface, seeping down through soil into wells. Arsenic is naturally present in some parts of this rock type.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the carbonate limestone bedrock. As water moves through limestone, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into wells. Iron is also present at moderate levels, leaching from the rock as water passes through. These mineral characteristics are common across wells in the county.

Wells in Washington County can have chloride and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater from natural sources in the rock and soil. Breathing radon gas over many years increases the risk of lung cancer. Chloride at elevated levels can be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets and may affect those with certain health conditions.

The moderately hard water in county wells can leave white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron in the water may cause reddish or brownish staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Your water might have a metallic taste from the iron. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your water actually needs. A comprehensive metals and radon panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like radon aeration systems and ion exchange softeners can address these concerns once you know your well's specific levels.