Huntingdon County groundwater contains manganese, radon, lead, arsenic, iron, and several other contaminants at concerning levels. Multiple contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making water testing essential for well owners in this area.
The Valley and Ridge geology beneath Huntingdon County creates conditions where these contaminants concentrate in groundwater. Radon forms naturally as radioactive elements in the bedrock decay over time. Iron and manganese dissolve from minerals in the folded and fractured rock layers. Lead and arsenic enter wells from natural minerals in the bedrock, and some may come from old well components or soil contact. Sulfate comes from minerals within these same rock formations.
Groundwater in Huntingdon County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other carbonate-rich rocks in the Valley and Ridge formation. Iron at moderate levels contributes to the water's mineral character. These mineral characteristics show up across many wells throughout the county.
Huntingdon County well water contains several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, lead, and PFOA/PFOS are toxic chemicals that build up in your body over time and can damage your kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in from shower steam and tap water over many years. Manganese at elevated levels can affect how your brain and nervous system work, especially in children.
Wells in this county commonly have moderate iron and moderately hard water, which causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The staining is stubborn and hard to remove. Hard water also leaves white crusty buildup on pipes and fixtures, and over time it can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in your water from the iron.
We recommend testing your well right away with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since multiple health standards are exceeded here. Every well is different, and your water 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 well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like aeration systems and specialized filters can address both the health concerns and the staining issues.
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 | 53 | 32% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 7 | 29% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Lead | 15 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 63 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 72 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 74 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 67 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 55 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 66 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 60 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 78 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 55 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 68 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…