Groundwater in Montour County contains radon, manganese, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are at moderate concentrations, while radon is present at concerning levels that warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the bedrock itself. The Valley and Ridge rock formations here naturally contain radioactive elements that produce radon gas, and iron- and manganese-bearing minerals that dissolve slowly as groundwater moves through cracks and fractures in the stone.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the surrounding bedrock. These minerals concentrate in the water as it passes through the rock layers over time. Moderate hardness and iron are common findings across wells in this county.
Wells in Montour County commonly contain iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk when breathed in from water over many years. Manganese at these levels can affect brain development and function, especially in children. Iron and sulfate do not pose direct health concerns at the levels found here, but they contribute to overall water quality issues.
Wells in this county are moderately hard, which means you may see some white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. Iron causes orange-brown or reddish staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The moderate sulfate levels can give water a bitter or metallic taste. Over time, this hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well for all four of these contaminants. 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 it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and can include treatment options like aeration combined with filtration systems.
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 | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 29 | 48% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 31 | 42% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 34 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 33 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 32 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 24 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 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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