Well Water in Rutland County: What to Test and Why

Well owners in Rutland County should be aware that radon, manganese, lead, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, nitrate, and uranium are present in groundwater here at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants--including radon, arsenic, lead, and uranium--pose serious health concerns and warrant immediate attention.

These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil. Radon and uranium come from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the limestone and surrounding bedrock. Arsenic, manganese, lead, and iron occur naturally in the carbonate rock and nearby mineral deposits. Nitrate and chloride can enter from agricultural land, road salt, or septic systems, especially in areas where the water table is shallow or the rock is fractured.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock. As water filters through limestone, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into your well. This very hard water is widespread across the county--most wells here share this characteristic because of the thick limestone layers beneath the surface.

Wells in Rutland County exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, chloride, fluoride, lead, uranium, nitrate, and radon. Arsenic and uranium are metals that can damage your kidneys and bones over time and increase cancer risk. Lead harms children's brain development and learning. Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer when you breathe it in for years. Nitrate and chloride can affect your blood and kidneys at high levels.

The very hard water in county wells creates visible problems in your home. You will see white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap work poorly, leaves spots on dishes, and can make your skin and hair feel sticky. Very hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by years.

We recommend testing your well right away since nine different contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different--your well may 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 checks for metals, nitrate, bacteria, and radon. Treatment options include reverse osmosis for metals, radon venting systems, and water softeners for hardness.