Iron is present in McDuffie County groundwater and reaches a very high level that exceeds EPA health standards. Chloride and fluoride are also detected, though at levels below health thresholds.
The crystalline rock that lies beneath McDuffie County naturally contains iron. As rainwater seeps down and moves through cracks and spaces in this hard rock, it dissolves iron and carries it into your well. Chloride and fluoride enter groundwater the same way--both occur naturally in the rock itself.
This county's groundwater is notably high in iron, which comes from the bedrock minerals. The soft overall hardness shows that calcium and magnesium are not concentrated here, which is typical for crystalline-rock areas. Iron elevation is widespread across McDuffie County wells.
Wells in McDuffie County commonly contain iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Exposure to elevated iron in drinking water over time can harm your health, particularly affecting the development and function of your brain and nervous system.
Iron in county well water causes noticeable staining on plumbing fixtures, laundry, and sinks that can be difficult to remove. You may also notice a metallic taste in your drinking water and reddish or brown discoloration when you run the tap.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower iron levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know what treatment your specific well needs. Iron removal systems and specialized filters can effectively reduce iron contamination.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | 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.
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