Well Water in Armstrong County: What to Test and Why

Your well water comes from Mississippian-age rock deep underground. This rock is made of sandstone and shale that formed from ancient sediment. These layers hold water in cracks and tiny spaces between the grains.

Sulfate, radon, and chloride appear naturally in this rock. As water moves slowly through the sandstone and shale, it dissolves minerals that contain sulfate. Radon comes from uranium traces scattered throughout the rock layers. Salt from deep underground sources adds chloride to the water.

This water is very hard and salty. You will see scale buildup on pipes and fixtures, and your water may taste salty or bitter. Iron in the rock stains sinks and laundry orange-brown, and the high sulfate gives the water an unpleasant taste.

Radon, sulfate, and chloride all exceed EPA health standards in Armstrong County well water. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural breakdown of uranium in deep rock layers. Sulfate and chloride enter groundwater as it moves slowly through old rock formations beneath the county. All three contaminants need attention for your family's health.

Long-term radon exposure increases lung cancer risk, especially for smokers and children. High sulfate can cause digestive problems and diarrhea in some people. You'll also notice quality-of-life issues: sulfate gives water a bitter taste, and high mineral content causes scaling on pipes and fixtures. The water here is quite hard.

Get your well tested by a state-certified lab. A comprehensive metals and radon panel costs $200–400 and will show exactly what you're dealing with. Once you have results, a water treatment professional can recommend a whole-house system to reduce radon, sulfate, and chloride.