Groundwater in Athens County contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, chloride, lead, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making this a situation that deserves your attention.
These contaminants come from the Pennsylvanian rock layers beneath the county. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps naturally from the rock itself. Iron, manganese, arsenic, and sulfate dissolve into groundwater as it moves slowly through cracks in shale and sandstone. Chloride and lead can also come from the rock, though lead may enter through older pipes or well components. Coal mining activity in the region has historically added to sulfate and chloride levels in some areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium, along with very high iron and moderate sulfate and sodium. The slow movement of water through iron-rich rock layers releases these minerals directly into the water. Hard water with these mineral characteristics is common across wells in Athens County.
Wells in Athens County commonly have arsenic, lead, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic can increase cancer risk and harm organs over long-term exposure. Lead damages children's brain development and learning. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in from shower steam and tap water. Manganese in county wells can affect brain function, especially in children.
Wells in this county are very hard, which causes thick white crusty buildup on pipes and fixtures. Iron at high levels leaves orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a rotten-egg or sulfur smell from sulfate in the water. The extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. High sodium levels add a salty taste.
We recommend testing your well right away. Every well is different, and 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 metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and can identify all the contaminants present. Treatment options like whole-house systems combining filtration, water softeners, and radon removal can address multiple problems.
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 | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 137 | 91% | High | High | |
| Iron | 139 | 89% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 73 | 15% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 140 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 101 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 86 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 135 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 73 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 7 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 99 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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