Well Water in Washington County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Washington County contains chloride, manganese, radon, and arsenic. Several of these contaminants exceed the EPA health standards that apply to drinking water, so well owners in this county need to test their water and understand their results.

These contaminants come from the rock beneath the county. The limestone and carbonate rock that holds the groundwater naturally contains manganese and can release it into water over time. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in bedrock. Chloride and arsenic can seep in from road salt, old septic systems, and naturally weathered rock layers in this valley region.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate sodium as the main mineral character. The carbonate bedrock contributes some sodium and other minerals as water flows through cracks and spaces in the rock. Most wells across the county show similar soft-water patterns, though individual wells vary in their mineral mix and contamination levels.

Wells in Washington County have been found to contain arsenic, chloride, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that can damage your organs and increase cancer risk over many years. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in your lungs and raises the chance of lung cancer. Manganese in high amounts harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Chloride at elevated levels can cause problems for people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

The good news is that wells in this county are generally soft, so you probably won't see heavy scale buildup in pipes or on appliances. Water heaters and dishwashers should last their full lifespan. The moderate sodium levels in county wells are low enough that most people won't notice a salty taste. Your water should look clear and not stain your laundry or fixtures.

We recommend getting your well tested with a comprehensive panel that checks for all these contaminants, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what we see across the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water and what treatment will work best for your family. A full panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can remove arsenic and radon from your drinking water.