Groundwater in Solano County contains manganese, arsenic, iron, nitrate, chloride, sulfate, and PFAS chemicals that exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants reach concerning levels that well owners should know about and test for.
These contaminants come from different sources. Manganese and iron occur naturally in the local rock and accumulate as water moves underground. Arsenic also exists naturally in certain rock layers. Nitrate and chloride enter groundwater from agricultural fertilizers, animal waste, and road salt used in this farming region. PFAS chemicals come from industrial sites, airports, and firefighting foam used at military installations in the county.
Groundwater in Solano County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock as water moves through the ground. The water also carries high levels of total dissolved solids from the minerals in the local geology. Very hard water with high mineral content is common across most wells in this county.
Wells in Solano County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS (industrial chemicals) can damage your kidneys, bones, and immune system over time. Manganese at high levels affects the nervous system, especially in children. Chloride can be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets.
The very hard water in county wells causes stubborn staining on fixtures and dishes, and builds up scale inside pipes and appliances. This scale buildup shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a salty or mineral taste, and some people experience dry skin and dull hair from the mineral content.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing costs between $200 and $400 for a full metals and minerals panel. Once you know what you're dealing with, treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or ion exchange systems can address multiple contaminants at once.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 63 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 61 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 81 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 261 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 82 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 86 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 86 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 173 | 2% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 86 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 86 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 140 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Perchlorate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 86 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Boron | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chromium (total) | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Tds | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 248 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 252 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 86 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 256 | — | 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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