Groundwater in Greene County contains iron, manganese, PFOS, and several other contaminants at concerning levels. Multiple substances including arsenic, chloride, lead, nitrate, and radon exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for well owners.
These contaminants come from the county's bedrock geology. The fractured limestone and shale layers beneath Greene County naturally release iron, manganese, and arsenic as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and sits in low-oxygen conditions underground. Radon forms from radioactive decay within the rock itself. Road salt and other surface sources contribute chloride and nitrate that seep downward into the water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock. Iron levels are notably high, and the combination creates the county's distinctive water character. These hard-water and elevated-iron characteristics show up across wells throughout Greene County.
Wells in Greene County commonly contain arsenic, lead, radon, and several other contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that build up in your body over time and can damage your kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Nitrate and PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that pose serious health concerns at elevated levels.
The water in this county is extremely hard, leaving thick white crusty buildup on faucets and pipes. Iron at very high levels causes orange and rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water this severe can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your water 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 well so it can be properly treated. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended and typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems combined with radon aeration or water softeners designed to handle multiple 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 236 | 69% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 225 | 59% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 29 | 28% | Moderate | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 29 | 24% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 29 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 11 | 9% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 257 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 194 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 114 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 192 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 157 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 87 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 105 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 3* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 240 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 210 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 220 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 3* | 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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