Groundwater in Walker County contains PFOA, PFOS, iron, and manganese. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, and PFOA and PFOS also surpass safe drinking water limits, making these contaminants a concern for well owners.
PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater through industrial discharge and contaminated sites. Iron and manganese occur naturally in the carbonate rock that underlies this part of the Valley and Ridge, where groundwater dissolves these metals as it flows through the stone.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and notably high in iron, driven by calcium from the limestone and elevated iron from the rock itself. As water moves slowly through the carbonate layers below, it picks up these minerals and carries them into wells. Most wells in the county show this combination of moderate hardness paired with elevated iron.
Wells in Walker County commonly have iron, manganese, PFOA, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that can affect your health with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to serious health problems including kidney and thyroid issues, immune system effects, and other concerns. The exact health impact depends on how much you drink and for how long.
Your well water in this county has moderately hard water with elevated iron. You may notice reddish or brownish staining on fixtures, laundry, and surfaces from the iron. The hardness can cause white scale buildup on faucets and in pipes, and it can reduce the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some people notice a metallic taste from the iron content.
We recommend getting your well tested with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well's levels could be higher or lower than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and chemicals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters and iron removal systems can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 28 | 54% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 13 | 46% | Low | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 28 | 32% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 13 | 23% | Low | High | |
| Lead | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 28 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | 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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