Groundwater in Iron County contains radon, iron, and arsenic, with radon and iron exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic is present at lower levels that are less immediately concerning but still warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the bedrock itself. Iron-bearing minerals in the local rock dissolve slowly as groundwater seeps through cracks and spaces underground. Radon forms naturally from tiny amounts of radioactive material in the stone. Arsenic occurs naturally in some mineral deposits in the same rock layers.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron and the calcium and magnesium in the underlying rock. The iron concentration reflects minerals that break down as water moves through the formation over time. Moderate hardness and elevated iron are common characteristics across wells in Iron County.
Wells in Iron County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron and radon. Iron at elevated levels can affect how your body carries oxygen and may cause problems with blood cell function over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally in bedrock. When radon enters your well water, breathing the gas that escapes during showers and other water use increases your risk of lung cancer, and this risk grows with longer exposure.
Moderately hard water in this county can leave scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and appliances like water heaters. Iron causes orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are difficult to remove. You may also notice a metallic taste or smell in your water. Over time, the combination of hardness and minerals can shorten the lifespan of dishwashers and water heaters.
We recommend testing your well to know exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to understand what treatment your specific well needs. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and will identify all contaminants present. Iron and radon can both be addressed with aeration systems and specialized treatment.
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 | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 12 | 17% | Low | High | |
| Arsenic | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Chloride | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Manganese | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sulfate | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 15 | — | Moderate | 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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