Well Water in Chittenden County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Chittenden County contains radon, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants warrant testing and attention for your well.

Limestone bedrock beneath the county naturally releases calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese into groundwater as water moves through cracks and dissolves the rock. Radon and uranium come from natural radioactive decay in the limestone itself. Arsenic, lead, nitrate, and chloride enter from human activities--road salt, septic systems, agricultural runoff, and industrial sources--mixing with naturally occurring contamination.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium leached from the limestone below. The carbonate rock that supplies your well dissolves slowly as water filters downward, concentrating these minerals in nearly all wells across the region.

Wells in Chittenden County show arsenic, chloride, fluoride, lead, uranium, radon, nitrate, and elevated iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, lead, and uranium are toxic metals that build up in your body over time and can damage your kidneys, bones, and increase cancer risk. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs and increases the risk of lung cancer. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can prevent their blood from carrying oxygen properly. Chloride and fluoride at high levels also pose health concerns for long-term exposure.

The very hard water common in county wells leaves scale buildup on pipes, faucets, and shower heads. Hard water reduces the effectiveness of soap and makes cleaning difficult. Over time, the mineral deposits can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You may notice white crusty buildup around faucets and struggle with stiff laundry and dull hair.

We recommend a comprehensive testing panel for your well since multiple analytes exceed health standards in this county. Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel costs between $200 and $400 and can identify which contaminants need treatment, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems.