Well Water in Decatur County: What to Test and Why

Manganese, iron, nitrate, and chloride are present in Decatur County's groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough to require your attention and testing.

Manganese and iron come from the local rock itself--these metals dissolve naturally as groundwater moves through the soil and stone layers beneath the county. Nitrate and chloride enter the groundwater from above, seeping down from fertilizers used on farms and lawns, septic systems, and road salt. The "other rocks" aquifer here is vulnerable to these inputs because it does not have the strong natural filtering that deeper limestone provides.

Groundwater in Decatur County is moderately hard, driven by dissolved calcium and magnesium from the rock. These minerals build up as water passes through the subsurface over time. Moderate hardness is common across wells throughout the county.

Chloride, iron, manganese, and nitrate exceed EPA health standards in wells across Decatur County. Chloride at high levels can harm people with heart or kidney problems. Iron and manganese can cause brain and nerve damage, especially in children and infants. Nitrate is particularly dangerous for babies under six months old and can prevent their blood from carrying oxygen properly.

The moderately hard water in county wells leaves white scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. This scale can reduce water pressure and shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Hard water also makes soap less effective for cleaning dishes and laundry.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your specific well, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel that tests for all four of these concerns, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, or specialized filters can address these contaminants once you know exactly what you are dealing with.