Groundwater in Washington County contains iron, manganese, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and the industrial chemicals PFOA and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock layers deep underground where the aquifer sits. Chloride and nitrate can enter from road salt and fertilizer use on farms and yards. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some wells through groundwater movement from past or present sources of pollution.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock layers beneath the surface. These minerals accumulate as water moves slowly through the stone over many years. Hard water is widespread across wells in Washington County, though the exact mineral content varies from well to well.
Wells in Washington County commonly contain chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect kidney function and digestion, especially in infants and people with certain health conditions. Nitrate poses serious risks to infants and pregnant people. Iron and manganese can cause neurological effects with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to immune system problems and other health concerns.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which leaves white, crusty scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and inside appliances. Iron stains clothes, sinks, and toilets with rust-colored marks that are hard to remove. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. Hard water also makes soap less effective for cleaning and bathing.
We recommend testing your well water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. Because multiple analytes exceed health standards here, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like water softeners, iron removal systems, and PFAS filters can address different 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 176 | 52% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 174 | 30% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 59 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 173 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 59 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 148 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 172 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 162 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 9 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 132 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 174 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 59 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 162 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 146 | — | 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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