Groundwater in Crisp County contains iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations that well owners should be aware of and address.
Iron and manganese occur naturally in the sand and clay layers beneath this county. Nitrate enters the groundwater from fertilizer applied to farmland and from septic systems. As water moves slowly through the underground rock layers, it dissolves these minerals and picks up nitrogen from agricultural and residential sources.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the rock materials below. This hardness comes from minerals released as water passes through the local sand and clay formations. Elevated iron and manganese are found across many wells in this area, reflecting the natural composition of the aquifer system.
Wells in Crisp County commonly contain iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can harm your organs over time with continued exposure. Nitrate is particularly dangerous for infants and young children because it interferes with how their blood carries oxygen. These three contaminants pose real health risks that deserve attention.
Moderately hard water in county wells can create visible problems around your home. Iron causes rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Manganese leaves dark brown or black stains. Hard water also leaves scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in your water as well.
Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all three contaminants, which typically costs $200-400. Iron and manganese removal systems, along with nitrate treatment, can address these issues once you know your specific levels.
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 | 13 | 15% | Low | High | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 28 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 26 | — | Moderate | 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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