Groundwater in Washington County contains manganese, iron, and arsenic. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards in this county's wells, which means well owners need to address these contaminants.
These metals come from the crystalline rock beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in this ancient rock, it dissolves iron and manganese naturally present in the mineral structure. Arsenic also occurs naturally in some of these rock formations. There is no significant industrial or land-use source driving these metals--they are simply what the local geology releases into the water.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, which is the dominant mineral affecting water character. Iron concentrates in the water because it leaches from the crystalline rock as water passes through it over long periods. This elevated iron is widespread across wells in Washington County and reflects the common mineral makeup of the bedrock here.
Wells in Washington County commonly have iron and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Iron can cause problems with your blood and organs over time. Manganese can affect your nervous system and development in children. Both metals need attention in your home's water supply.
The high iron in county wells often leaves reddish or brownish stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste or smell in your water. These stains can be stubborn to clean and may damage fixtures over time.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what you are dealing with. Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than other wells nearby. A comprehensive metals panel will show you what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Testing usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options include iron filters or water softeners designed for these specific metals.
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 | 5 | 60% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 6 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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