Groundwater in Treutlen County contains radon, manganese, and arsenic. Manganese and radon both exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners need to take action to address these contaminants.
These contaminants come from the rocks and soil in the surficial aquifer layer near the surface. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in the sandy and clay materials here, and radon seeps up from radioactive elements in the rock below. Surface water and rainfall can also push these substances into shallow wells more easily than in deeper aquifer systems.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock and soil. The surficial aquifer here sits close to mineral-rich materials that release these hardness minerals into the water as it flows through. Hard water is the typical condition across wells in this county.
Wells in Treutlen County have been found with manganese and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese exposure can damage the nervous system and cause problems with movement and learning, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in homes and increases the risk of lung cancer over time. Both of these contaminants need to be addressed in wells where they are present.
The county's water is moderately hard, which means you may see white scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, staining from iron deposits, and reduced effectiveness of soap and shampoo. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by causing mineral buildup inside them. These issues are frustrating but different from health concerns.
We recommend that you have your well tested as soon as possible. Every well is different, and your well water could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. A comprehensive testing panel is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Testing typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options include activated carbon filters for radon and water softeners or specific filters for manganese removal.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | 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 →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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