Lead, arsenic, and chloride are present in Luce County groundwater. Lead exceeds the federal health standard and warrants attention, while arsenic and chloride are detected at levels below their limits but still notable.
Lead enters groundwater through corrosion of pipes and fixtures in older wells and plumbing systems. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the red sandstone of the Jacobsville aquifer, the same geological formation that supplies water to neighboring counties. Chloride can also seep in from road salt applied during winter maintenance.
Groundwater in Luce County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the sandstone aquifer. Iron is also present at moderate levels, coming from minerals naturally embedded in the red sandstone bedrock. These mineral characteristics appear across wells in the county, though levels and composition vary from well to well.
Lead is found at levels that exceed EPA health standards in wells across this county. Lead is a serious concern because even small amounts can harm children's brain development and learning. In adults, lead exposure can raise blood pressure and damage the kidneys and nervous system over time.
Wells in this county have moderately hard water, which means you may see white crusty buildup on faucets and fixtures. Iron at moderate levels can leave orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may also have a slight metallic taste.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you are dealing with so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and can identify lead and other contaminants. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or activated carbon can remove lead from your water.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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