Wells in Orleans County contain radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, lead, nitrate, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA drinking water standards and warrant attention from well owners.
These contaminants come from multiple sources in the county's mixed rock geology. Radon seeps from natural radioactive minerals in bedrock. Manganese and iron dissolve from the rock into groundwater where oxygen is low. Arsenic, uranium, and lead also occur naturally in certain rock types here. Nitrate and chloride can enter groundwater from septic systems, road salt, and agricultural activities.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium released from the rock below. The mixed rock types here contain minerals that dissolve slowly into water as it passes through, building up hardness over time. Hard water is widespread across wells in Orleans County.
Wells in Orleans County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, lead, and uranium can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in lungs and raises lung cancer risk. Nitrate harms infants and can cause serious illness in very young children. Chloride and fluoride are also present at elevated levels in county wells.
Hard water is common here and leaves white crusty buildup on faucets and shower heads. It reduces how well soap works and makes cleaning harder. Over time, hard water scale damages water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances, shortening how long they last. You may also notice staining from iron in sinks and bathtubs.
We recommend getting your well water tested to know exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your specific water needs. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will check for all the contaminants found in this county. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, or water softeners can address many of these 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 214 | 100% | High | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 473 | 19% | High | High | |
| Iron | 338 | 17% | High | High | |
| Uranium | 768 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 1050 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 1709 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 911 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 1307 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 1152 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1254 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 206 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 74 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 322 | — | High | 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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