Groundwater in Centre County contains radon, manganese, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Multiple contaminants including PFOA, PFOS, nitrate, arsenic, and lead also exceed safe limits in wells across the county.
The Valley and Ridge bedrock beneath Centre County naturally contains uranium, which breaks down to produce radon gas that dissolves into groundwater. Iron and manganese seep out of shale and other rock layers as water moves slowly through cracks and fractures in the bedrock. Nitrate and PFOA/PFOS likely enter from land use--agricultural runoff, septic systems, and legacy industrial or firefighting activities. Arsenic and lead occur naturally in the rock but can concentrate where conditions favor their release.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other carbonate-bearing layers in the Valley and Ridge formation. Moderate iron concentrations add to the mineral load. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Centre County, reflecting the common geology beneath the region.
Wells in Centre County commonly contain radon, PFOA, PFOS, nitrate, arsenic, iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to serious health problems including liver damage and immune system harm. Nitrate, arsenic, iron, lead, and manganese each pose different threats--from affecting children's brain development to damaging kidneys and organs over time.
Centre County wells are very hard, which means mineral buildup will clog your pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The iron in these wells causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice an unpleasant metallic taste or reddish discoloration in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, which typically costs $200-400. Every well is different, and your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. Aeration systems combined with specialized filters 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 20 | 45% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 121 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 129 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 100 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 101 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 145 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 233 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 233 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 135 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 130 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 216 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 136 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 134 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 131 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 167 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 216 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 136 | — | High | 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.
Loading recent water news…