Groundwater in Clearfield County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, radon, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels, particularly iron and sulfate at very high concentrations, and manganese at elevated levels.
The Mississippian rock beneath this county naturally contains iron, manganese, and sulfate-bearing minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves slowly through cracks and spaces in the bedrock. Radon seeps from uranium trapped in the rock. Nitrate, chloride, and lead enter wells from surface sources including road salt, agricultural activity, and old well infrastructure in some areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and shale below, combined with very high iron and sulfate that give the water its distinctive mineral character. The slow movement of water through these old rock layers allows these minerals to accumulate over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Clearfield County commonly exceed EPA health standards for several serious contaminants. Arsenic, lead, uranium, and radon are radioactive or toxic metals that can damage your brain, kidneys, and bones even at low levels over time. Nitrate contamination can affect how your blood carries oxygen. Chloride at elevated levels is a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets.
Wells in this county produce extremely hard water with very high iron and sulfate. You will see orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. White crusty scale builds up thick on pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. Sulfate at these levels gives water a bitter or unpleasant taste. The extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different--yours 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. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards, ask for a comprehensive metals and radon panel, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like aeration systems combined with specialized filters can address iron, sulfate, and radon.
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 | 585 | 97% | High | High | |
| Iron | 588 | 86% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 585 | 84% | High | High | |
| Radon | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 588 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 568 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 574 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 589 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 567 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 582 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 584 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 586 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 37 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 589 | — | 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.
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