Groundwater in Shasta County contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, and PFOA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that well owners should monitor and address.
The basaltic rock beneath this county naturally contains radioactive elements that break down into radon gas, which seeps into groundwater. Iron and manganese leach from the volcanic rock itself as water moves through cracks and pores. Arsenic also occurs naturally in these basaltic rocks. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial activity and certain manufactured products that have been disposed of locally or regionally.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by dissolved minerals from the basaltic rock. The volcanic geology releases calcium and other minerals that accumulate as water sits underground. Most wells in Shasta County show this moderate hardness and the presence of naturally occurring metals from the surrounding rock.
Wells in Shasta County can contain arsenic, iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Manganese and iron at high levels can damage your nervous system and organs. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can harm your immune system and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over years.
The moderate hardness in county wells can leave white scale on faucets and shower heads and create film on your skin and hair. Iron in wells can stain laundry and fixtures orange or brown. Hard water makes soap work less well and can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend testing your well right away since every well in this county is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs $200 to $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Treatment options range from simple filtration systems to whole-house units depending on what testing shows.
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 | 27 | 41% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 166 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 160 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 72 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 72 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 142 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 72 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 85 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 232 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 85 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 69 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 225 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Boron | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chromium (total) | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Chloride | 242 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 72 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Perchlorate | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Tds | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 72 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 242 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 241 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 18* | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 255 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 18* | 0% | Moderate | Safe |
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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