Groundwater Study and Resources
Overview
In 2013, the County of Lycoming received a $250,000 grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund to conduct a county-wide groundwater sampling program to help understand the quality of groundwater in privately owned wells within the County.
As a steward of the health and well-being of our residents, businesses and communities, Lycoming County has a vested interest in our water resources. While surface waters across the county have been studied and monitored by PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), groundwater presents a gap in our collective understanding. This study will provide information on the current conditions of our groundwater and is an opportunity to understand what is native to our source water in order to assess the impact of agricultural, mining and other land-use practices on our groundwater.
As part of this study, 75 randomly selected wells were sampled throughout the county. The site selection process included voluntary participation by residents. The study analyzed a comprehensive list of water quality parameters for each well, including substances such as minerals, gasses, and bacteria.
The county’s partners in this project include the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Geisinger Health System, the North Central Source Water Protection Alliance, and Susquehanna Health, and West Branch Regional Authority.
The final report is available on the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) website:
Groundwater Facts
- Groundwater: A Primer for Pennsylvanians
Interpreting Your Well Water Sampling Results
- Water Tests: What Do the Numbers Mean?
- How to Interpret a Water Analysis Report
- Penn State Drinking Water Interpretative Tool
Well Water Contamination Facts Sheets & Resources
- Removal of Arsenic from Wells in Pennsylvania
- Coliform Bacteria
- Safeguarding Wells and Springs from Bacterial Contamination
- Lead in Drinking Water
- Methane Gas and Its Removal from Wells in Pennsylvania
- Nitrates in Drinking Water
- Reducing Radon in Drinking Water
Additional Resources
Drinking Water Regulations & Well Construction
- PA DEP Private Water Wells Information
- A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania
- Protecting Wells with Sanitary Well Caps and Grouting
- Private Wells: What to Do After the Flood
- Penn State Cooperative Extension: Master Well Owners Network
- U.S. EPA Drinking Water Regulations & Drinking Water Information
Well Water Testing
If you have any concerns about the quality of your well water, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) North-central Regional Office in Williamsport for consultation.
DEP North-central Regional Office
208 West Third St., Suite 101
Williamsport, PA 17701
Office Hours 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone: 570-327-3636 (24 hours)