Well Water in Adams County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Adams County contains radon, pfos, and iron, along with several other contaminants including nitrate, arsenic, lead, manganese, pfoa, sulfate, fluoride, and nitrite. Many of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and demand your attention.

These contaminants come from two sources. Radon, arsenic, iron, lead, and manganese occur naturally in the crystalline bedrock that lies beneath this county. Fractures and cracks in this deep rock trap radon gas and allow water to slowly dissolve metals from the minerals around it. Nitrate, sulfate, pfoa, and pfos come from human activities--fertilizers, road salt, and industrial chemicals that seep into the groundwater over time.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the bedrock, along with elevated iron that occurs naturally in the crystalline rock below. As water moves slowly through tiny cracks and fractures in this ancient bedrock, it picks up these minerals over long periods. Hard water and moderate iron are widespread across wells in Adams County.

Wells in Adams County commonly exceed EPA health standards for nitrate, arsenic, lead, radon, and several other contaminants. Nitrate and nitrite can interfere with how your body uses oxygen, especially in infants and young children. Arsenic is toxic and can damage organs with long-term exposure. Lead harms brain development in children and can damage kidneys and the nervous system in adults. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in from shower steam and other water use.

The water in this county is extremely hard, which means white crusty scale builds up quickly inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers--and can shorten the lifespan of these appliances. Iron at elevated levels causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may also notice a metallic taste or smell in your water. The combination of these minerals creates real quality-of-life impacts in your home.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like aeration systems combined with activated carbon filters can address multiple concerns at once.