Groundwater in Middlesex County contains chloride, iron, and arsenic. Chloride and iron exceed EPA health standards and are concerning enough to warrant attention.
Chloride enters the groundwater from saltwater that seeps inland from the nearby coast, pushed by tidal and geological forces. Iron dissolves naturally from the sand and clay layers that make up the coastal plain aquifer system in this region. Arsenic also occurs naturally in these sediments.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in sodium, which gives the water a salty character. Sodium accumulates here because of the coastal plain geology and the slow movement of saltwater through the sandy and clay-rich layers underground. These mineral characteristics show up in many wells throughout the county.
Chloride and arsenic are found at elevated levels in wells throughout Middlesex County. Chloride at high levels can harm people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Arsenic exposure over time increases the risk of cancer and can damage organs. Both contaminants need attention to protect your family's health.
The county's high sodium content may give water a slightly salty taste. High sodium also makes it harder for soap to work well when washing dishes or laundry. Because the water is soft, you may not see mineral scale buildup inside pipes, which is fortunate for your appliances.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what contaminants are actually present at your location. Every well in the county is different, and your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know what treatment your water needs. Ion exchange systems and activated carbon filters can address chloride and arsenic concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 25 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 16 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 17 | — | 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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