Groundwater in Lancaster County contains nitrate, radon, and manganese along with several other contaminants that exceed EPA health standards, including chloride, iron, nitrite, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate. These levels are serious enough to require immediate attention and testing.
Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizers and septic systems in agricultural and developed areas. Radon seeps from uranium naturally present in the crystalline bedrock beneath the county. Manganese, iron, and chloride dissolve directly from the rock as water moves slowly through fractures and small spaces in the hard stone. Road salt applied to local roads also contributes chloride to groundwater near populated areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the crystalline rock. The dense, fractured nature of this bedrock releases these minerals as water sits in contact with the stone over time. Most wells across Lancaster County show these moderately elevated mineral characteristics.
Wells in Lancaster County commonly contain chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Chloride and nitrate can harm kidneys and affect how blood carries oxygen. Manganese and iron pose risks to the brain and nervous system, especially in children. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to serious health effects including thyroid disease. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk. Nitrite interferes with oxygen transport in the blood.
Very hard water is common in county wells and leaves thick white crusty buildup on pipes and fixtures. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Iron causes orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Some residents notice a metallic taste or sulfurous smell in their water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards. 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. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include aeration systems, activated carbon filters, and water softening.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 2071 | 51% | High | High | |
| Radon | 167 | 42% | High | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 409 | 25% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 872 | 21% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 872 | 17% | High | High | |
| Iron | 429 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 854 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 768 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1955 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 237 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 513 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 871 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 229 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 136 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 136 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Uranium | 232 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 5* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 652 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 2252 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 870 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 666 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 5* | 0% | Low | 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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