Groundwater in Snyder County contains manganese, radon, iron, arsenic, nitrate, and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and need attention.
These metals and gases come from the bedrock itself. The Valley and Ridge rock formations here contain iron and manganese locked in shale and other stone layers. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in this rock, it dissolves those metals. Radon forms naturally from tiny amounts of uranium in the bedrock. Arsenic and nitrate can enter from the same rock layers and from land uses above ground.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by iron and calcium from the surrounding rock. The shale and sandstone bedrock here naturally release these minerals as water moves through it over time. These characteristics show up commonly across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Snyder County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOS, and radon. Arsenic and PFOS can harm your organs and immune system over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in from water during showers and other uses. Manganese exposure can affect your brain and nervous system development, especially in children. Nitrate is dangerous for infants and can cause serious illness.
The moderately hard water in county wells leaves white crusty buildup on fixtures and inside appliances. Iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. This hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic taste or unpleasant odor in your water.
Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel to know exactly what you are dealing with so it can be properly treated. Testing typically costs $200-400. Aeration systems and activated carbon filters can address several of these contaminants.
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 | 35 | 46% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 9 | 44% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 39 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 33 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 43 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 47 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 40 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 39 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 44 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 36 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 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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