Groundwater in Washington County contains radon, pfoa, manganese, iron, lead, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require attention.
The rock layers beneath Washington County are sandstone and shale from the Pennsylvanian period, which naturally contain radioactive elements that release radon gas, manganese, iron, and sulfate minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in this rock, it dissolves these contaminants directly from the stone. The region's history of coal mining has also exposed additional sulfate and iron compounds to groundwater flow.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven primarily by elevated calcium and magnesium from the surrounding rock. The slow movement of water through the sandstone and shale allows minerals to accumulate in the water over time. Very hard water is common across wells in this county.
Wells in Washington County commonly contain iron, lead, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead exposure over time can harm brain development in children and affect nervous system function in adults. Manganese at elevated levels can affect how the brain works and may cause learning or behavior problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over many years. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to serious health effects with long-term exposure.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which means thick white scale builds up inside pipes and on fixtures like faucets and showerheads. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. Iron causes orange-brown or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The moderate sulfate levels can give the water a bitter or metallic taste.
We recommend testing your well through a state-certified lab right away, since 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. Given that multiple contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like whole-house systems combining sediment filtration, radon removal, and ion exchange can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 38% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 147 | 31% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 17% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 165 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 32 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 116 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 109 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 173 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 99 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 81 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 73 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 171 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 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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