Well Water in Pierce County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Pierce County contains radon, iron, and manganese that well owners should monitor. Several of these contaminants--manganese, iron, arsenic, radon, and lead--exceed EPA health standards in some wells in this county.

The deep limestone and sandstone bedrock beneath Pierce County naturally holds these metals and radioactive elements. As groundwater moves slowly through these rocks over many years, iron and manganese dissolve into the water. Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium present in the bedrock. Arsenic and lead also occur naturally in these rock layers and can enter wells through cracks and fractures.

Groundwater in Pierce County is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone below. The deep bedrock here is rich in these minerals, and as water sits in the ground for long periods, it picks them up. Hard water is the norm across most wells throughout the county.

Wells in Pierce County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese, iron, arsenic, lead, and radon have all been detected at unsafe levels in county groundwater. Arsenic increases cancer risk and can harm the kidneys and nervous system. Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer when breathed over time. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children and unborn babies. Manganese at high levels can affect the brain and cause neurological problems.

County wells show moderately hard water, which creates practical problems around your home. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You may notice a metallic taste or see reddish staining from iron in sinks and toilets. Soap and shampoo do not work as well in hard water.

Your well is unique, and testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Pierce County wells vary significantly--yours could have much higher or much lower levels than the county average. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all these contaminants, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Once you know what contaminants are present, treatment options like iron removal systems, radon aeration, or lead-reducing filters can address your specific problems.