Groundwater in Emanuel County contains manganese, arsenic, and chloride. Manganese is present at levels that exceed the EPA health standard, which is a concern that well owners should address.
Manganese comes from the rock layers beneath Emanuel County. As water slowly filters down through the ground, it picks up manganese from the minerals in the rock. Arsenic and chloride also occur naturally in these rock formations and accumulate in groundwater over time.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate levels of iron and elevated calcium and magnesium from the local rock. The combination of these minerals reflects the composition of the underlying formations in this region. Moderately hard water with moderate iron is a common condition across wells in Emanuel County.
Manganese is found at elevated levels in some wells in Emanuel County and can be a health concern at high concentrations. Exposure to manganese over time may affect the nervous system and brain development, particularly in children. While the levels in county wells vary, testing is the only way to know what is actually in your specific well.
Wells in this county have moderately hard water, which means you may see mineral buildup and scale on fixtures and appliances. You might notice staining on sinks, bathtubs, and laundry. The moderate iron content can leave a metallic taste in your water and create rust-colored stains. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what contaminants and minerals are present in your water. A basic screening for bacteria and nitrate runs about fifty to one hundred dollars, while a comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Water softeners and manganese filters can address these issues once you know what you're dealing with.
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 | 8 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 14 | — | 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 →Loading recent water news…