Living on Well Water in Lancaster County: A Maintenance Guide
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Well Water in Lancaster County: An Overview
Approximately 30 percent of Lancaster County residents rely on private wells for their household water supply. Unlike municipal water, which is tested and treated before it reaches your tap, private well water is your responsibility to maintain and monitor.
Wells in Lancaster County typically draw from the limestone and dolomite aquifers that underlie the region. Well depths range from 100 to 400 feet depending on location, geology, and the depth of the water table. Shallow wells (under 100 feet) in areas like Landisville and the Conestoga Valley are more susceptible to surface contamination, while deeper wells in the Paradise and Gordonville area often produce water with higher mineral content.
Annual Testing: What to Test and When
Pennsylvania does not require private well owners to test their water on a regular schedule unless the well is being used for a new construction or a real estate transaction. However, the Penn State Extension and the PA Department of Environmental Protection strongly recommend annual testing for the following:
Test Every Year
- **Coliform bacteria** -- Indicates possible contamination from surface water, animal waste, or a compromised well seal. Test in spring when runoff is highest. - **Nitrates** -- Agricultural runoff from Lancaster County's intensive farming operations can elevate nitrate levels, which are particularly dangerous for infants. - **pH level** -- Lancaster County well water tends to be slightly alkaline (7.2 to 8.5) due to the limestone geology, but levels outside the 6.5 to 8.5 range can cause pipe corrosion or scale buildup. - **Total dissolved solids (TDS)** -- A general indicator of water quality and mineral content.
Test Every 2 to 3 Years
- **Water hardness** -- Typically 15 to 25 gpg in Lancaster County. Knowing your exact hardness helps size a water softener correctly. - **Iron and manganese** -- Common in Lancaster County wells. Iron above 0.3 ppm causes staining, and manganese above 0.05 ppm produces a metallic taste and black staining. - **Sulfur (hydrogen sulfide)** -- The rotten-egg smell that some well owners notice, especially common in deeper wells.
Test If You Suspect a Problem
- **Lead** -- Older homes may have lead solder on copper pipe joints or lead service lines. - **Radon** -- Lancaster County has elevated radon levels in many areas. Radon can enter water from the bedrock and be released as a gas when you run water. - **Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)** -- If your property is near an industrial site, gas station, or agricultural operation.
Seasonal Well Maintenance
Spring
Spring is the most critical season for well maintenance in Lancaster County. Heavy rains and snowmelt can introduce surface contamination into poorly sealed wells.
- **Inspect the wellhead** for damage from frost heave, settling, or impact. The well cap should be tightly secured and the casing should extend at least 12 inches above grade. - **Check for standing water** around the wellhead. The ground should slope away from the casing in all directions. - **Test for bacteria** after the spring thaw, when surface runoff is at its peak. - **Inspect the well seal** where the casing meets the cap. A compromised seal is the most common pathway for surface water contamination.
Summer
- **Monitor water levels** during dry periods. If your well yield drops noticeably during summer, it may indicate a declining aquifer or a well that is approaching the end of its productive life. - **Run the system under load** by operating multiple fixtures simultaneously to check for pressure drops that could indicate pump wear.
Fall
- **Prepare for winter** by insulating the wellhead, pressure tank, and any exposed piping in the well house or basement. - **Test water quality** if it has been more than a year since your last test. - **Service the pressure tank** by checking the air charge and listening for short cycling.
Winter
- **Protect against freezing** by ensuring heat tape on exposed pipes is functioning, well house heaters are working, and insulation is intact. - **Keep paths clear** to the wellhead so you can access it if a problem occurs during a storm.
Common Water Quality Issues and Treatments
Hard Water
Treatment: Whole-house water softener ($1,500 to $3,500 installed). Lancaster County's 15 to 25 gpg hardness demands a properly sized softener with demand-initiated regeneration.
Iron and Manganese
Treatment: Iron filter system with oxidation ($1,500 to $3,000 installed). Options include greensand filters, birm filters, and air injection systems. The right choice depends on the type and concentration of iron in your water.
Bacteria
Treatment: UV disinfection system ($800 to $1,500 installed) or chlorination system. UV systems require no chemicals and are effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Chlorination is more robust but requires chemical management.
Acidic Water (Low pH)
Treatment: Acid neutralizer with calcite or calcite/corosex media ($1,000 to $2,000 installed). This raises the pH to prevent pipe corrosion.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a well professional or plumber if you notice any of the following:
- Sudden change in water color, taste, or odor - Significant drop in water pressure or well yield - Pump running continuously or cycling rapidly - Air sputtering from faucets - Visible damage to the wellhead or casing
Lititz Hometown Plumbing serves well owners throughout Landisville, Paradise, Lititz, and Lancaster County. Call us at (831) 290-4327 for well water testing, treatment, and system maintenance.