Groundwater in Cambria County contains manganese, iron, sulfate, chloride, lead, and radon. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from the Mississippian rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally as groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the rock. Sulfate forms when water contacts sulfur-bearing minerals in the stone. Lead can leach from the rock itself. Radon seeps from uranium that breaks down inside the bedrock over time. Chloride enters some wells from road salt and natural mineral deposits.
Groundwater in this county is very hard and high in iron and sulfate, driven by calcium, magnesium, iron, and sulfate from the rock below. The slow movement of water through tight Mississippian rock layers allows these minerals to dissolve and concentrate. These characteristics show up consistently across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Cambria County commonly exceed EPA health standards for several contaminants. Lead can harm brain development and nervous system function in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride, manganese, sulfate, and iron at elevated levels also pose health concerns. These contaminants accumulate in groundwater over time as it moves slowly through rock layers underground.
Wells in this county produce very hard water with high iron and sulfate levels. You will see orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry fixtures. White crusty scale builds up on pipes and inside appliances. Sulfate can give the water a bitter or unpleasant taste. The extreme hardness shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Because multiple contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and radon panel is recommended. Testing costs typically run $200-400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. Treatment options like aeration systems combined with filtration and water softeners can address multiple 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 62 | 84% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 64 | 64% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 66 | 62% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 7 | 43% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Lead | 48 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 68 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 55 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 64 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 110 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 69 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 55 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 135 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 135 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Uranium | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 60 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 69 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 110 | — | High | Safe | |
| Hardness | 65 | — | Moderate | 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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