Groundwater in Westchester County contains lead, radon, iron, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA and PFOS compounds. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require your attention.
The limestone and carbonate rock beneath Westchester naturally releases iron and minerals into groundwater. Lead and PFOA enter from old pipes and industrial sources on the land above. Radon seeps from radioactive elements in the bedrock itself. Road salt used on roads and parking lots adds chloride to the water below.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated iron, sulfate, and moderate sodium from the carbonate rock that stores your water. The limestone dissolves slowly over time, releasing these minerals as water moves through it. These characteristics show up in wells across Westchester.
Wells in Westchester County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, lead, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, radon, and sulfate. Lead damages the brain and kidneys, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. PFOA and related chemicals are linked to serious health effects including liver damage and immune system problems. Chloride at high levels can harm people with certain health conditions.
County wells show moderate hardness with elevated iron. You may notice rust-colored staining on fixtures and laundry. Iron can cause a metallic taste and smell. Buildup on pipes and appliances shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Your water may also have a salty taste from moderate sodium levels.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different--your well may 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 it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis filters, activated carbon, water softeners, and radon removal systems depending on your results.
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 | 9 | 78% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 164 | 38% | High | High | |
| Iron | 164 | 33% | High | High | |
| Lead | 82 | 21% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 137 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 163 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 137 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 83 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 137 | 3% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 137 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 109 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 137 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 139 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 63 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 163 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 116 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 137 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 164 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 163 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | 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.
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