Well Water in Adams County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Adams County contains manganese, iron, and arsenic. Iron and manganese levels exceed EPA health standards and are a concern for well owners in this county.

The rock layers beneath Adams County naturally contain iron and manganese minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through these rocks, it dissolves these metals and carries them into wells. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the bedrock, though at lower concentrations.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other carbonate rock below. These minerals dissolve as water travels through the bedrock over many years. Hard water is common across most wells in Adams County.

Iron and manganese in wells across Adams County can build up in your body over time and affect organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys. Arsenic also shows up in some county wells and poses health risks with long-term exposure. These contaminants come from the natural rock and soil that groundwater passes through as it moves underground.

Hard water is common in Adams County wells, which leaves white or chalky scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters. This scale can shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. You might also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water, and soap won't lather as easily when washing dishes or taking showers.

We recommend testing your well water to know exactly what is in it. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show you iron, manganese, arsenic, and hardness levels so you can choose the right treatment, such as iron filters or water softeners.