Groundwater in Lowndes County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, PFOS, PFOA, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners in this county.
These contaminants come from mixed sources in the shallow groundwater system. Arsenic and manganese occur naturally in the sand and clay layers that make up the surficial aquifer. PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial use and contaminated sites. Sulfate comes from natural minerals in the soil and rock, as well as from some industrial or agricultural activity.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the sand and clay layers below. The surficial aquifer's sandy composition allows water to move through easily, picking up these minerals as it flows. Moderate hardness is widespread across wells in this county.
Wells in Lowndes County commonly contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and PFOA and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can harm your kidneys, heart, and increase cancer risk. Fluoride at high levels can damage your teeth and bones. Manganese can hurt your brain and nervous system, especially in children. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that don't break down and can harm your liver and immune system.
The moderate hardness in county wells can leave scale buildup on faucets and fixtures and reduce how well soap works. You might notice spots on dishes after washing or feel film on your skin and hair. Hard water can also shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend getting your well tested right away with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have much higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it correctly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, or ion exchange can address different contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 78 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 248 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 278 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 294 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 236 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Chloride | 256 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Chloride | 256 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 124 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 14 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 125 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 133 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 240 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 297 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 227 | — | 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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