Groundwater in Monroe County contains sulfate, iron, pfoa, and also chloride and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and warrant attention.
The rock beneath Monroe County naturally releases iron and manganese as groundwater moves slowly through it. Sulfate dissolves from minerals in the surrounding stone. Chloride enters from road salt applied to highways and roads that seeps down into the groundwater over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium, and it carries high sulfate and moderate iron. The slow-moving water dissolves these minerals as it sits in contact with the mixed rock types here. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Monroe County commonly have chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and sulfate at elevated concentrations can harm your kidneys and digestive system over time. Manganese can affect brain development in children and cause nervous system problems with long-term exposure. Iron and PFOA also pose health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant women. These contaminants deserve your attention.
Wells in this county are very hard, which means you will probably see orange or reddish-brown stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry from iron. The water may taste metallic or slightly bitter from the sulfate and minerals. These high mineral levels build up scale inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan. You might also notice a slightly salty or unpleasant taste.
We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab because every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards here, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like oxidation filters for iron and manganese paired with activated carbon for PFOA can help 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 69 | 45% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 58 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 28 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 58 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 69 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 50 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 50 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 70 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 70 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 58 | — | 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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