Well Water in Price County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Price County contains PFOA and PFOS, which are human-made chemicals that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention. Chloride is also present but at levels that do not exceed health limits.

PFOA and PFOS come from industrial use and waste disposal rather than from the rock itself. Chloride typically enters groundwater from road salt and other land-based sources. The mixed rock types in this area do not naturally produce these contaminants, so their presence reflects human activities in the region.

Groundwater in Price County is soft with low sodium and sulfate levels, making it aesthetically unremarkable. The soft character means water does not carry high concentrations of hardness-forming minerals from the local bedrock. These mineral traits are consistent across most wells in the county.

Wells in Price County commonly contain PFOA and PFOS at levels exceeding EPA health standards. These chemicals can build up in your body over time and may affect your liver, thyroid, immune system, and kidney function. Exposure during pregnancy and childhood is a particular concern because these chemicals can interfere with development and growth.

The mineral content in county wells is generally low and soft, which means you should not experience staining, scale, or taste problems from minerals. Your water should not have the orange-brown discoloration or metallic taste that comes with elevated iron or the dark stains from manganese.

We recommend testing your well to find out if PFOA and PFOS are present in your water. Since multiple contaminants of concern have been found in this county, a comprehensive panel that includes PFOA and PFOS testing is recommended. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated if needed. Activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can remove these chemicals from drinking water.