Groundwater in Del Norte County contains radon, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations and warrant attention from well owners.
The rock underneath Del Norte County naturally contains these elements. Radon comes from radioactive decay within the rock itself. Iron and manganese occur naturally in the county's mixed rock types and dissolve into groundwater as it moves through the ground. This is a common pattern in areas with diverse geology like Del Norte County.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the surrounding rock. The county's varied geology releases these minerals as water filters down through different stone layers. Most wells in Del Norte County show this moderate hardness.
Wells in Del Norte County can contain iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rock and soil and increases the risk of cancer when breathed in or swallowed over time. Iron and manganese don't cause immediate illness but can be harmful to health at elevated levels, particularly for infants and people with certain conditions.
The moderate hardness in county wells means you might see some staining on fixtures and dishes, though it's not severe. Iron can leave rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in your water or discoloration when you first turn on a tap. These issues are annoying but not dangerous on their own.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals and radon costs around two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like aeration systems, water filters, or radon removal can address these 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Iron | 20 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 20 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 3* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 36 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 3* | 0% | Low | 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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