Westchester County well water contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, lead, chloride, and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS compounds). These contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require your attention.
The bedrock beneath Westchester is limestone and carbonate rock, which naturally releases radon and dissolves manganese and iron into groundwater. Arsenic and lead enter from natural rock sources and from old household plumbing. Road salt applied to highways seeps down into wells, raising chloride levels. PFAS compounds come from industrial discharge and landfill leachate in this densely developed county.
Groundwater in Westchester is moderately hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock below. Iron and manganese dissolve as water passes through the fractured limestone. These mineral and chemical signatures show up across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Westchester County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, chloride, radon, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals). Arsenic and lead damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. PFAS chemicals have been linked to health problems including liver damage and immune system effects. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Wells in this county show moderate hardness and elevated iron. You may notice reddish-brown staining on laundry, dishes, and fixtures from iron buildup. The water can taste metallic or bitter. Scale deposits can form on faucets and showerheads. Over time, mineral accumulation can clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend getting a comprehensive water test right away because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters, water softeners, and activated carbon can address different 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 | 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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