Well Water in St. Clair County: What to Test and Why

Your well water comes from a mixed layer of rock and soil deep underground that is not limestone or sandstone but rather a blend of different materials. This layer holds water in the spaces between particles and in small cracks. The water sits protected under layers of clay and other rock that shield it from surface pollution.

The reason your water stays clean is the geology itself. A thick clay layer sits above your aquifer and blocks contamination from rain, farm runoff, and road salt from reaching your well. The rock material below moves water slowly, giving any pollutants time to filter out before they reach your water supply.

Your water's mineral content is not documented in available data, so you will not know if it is hard or soft without testing. Different materials in this mixed rock layer create different water qualities from well to well. Testing your water will tell you what you actually have and whether any treatment makes sense for your home.

The water in St. Clair County does not exceed EPA health standards for any major contaminants. No harmful bacteria or chemicals were detected in the area's water data. This is good news for your family's health.

The water shows sediment and iron routing, which means iron particles are present in the groundwater. While not at levels that pose a health risk, iron can cause orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry over time. You may also notice a metallic taste in the water.

Get your well tested by a state-certified lab to see what is actually in your water. A basic health screen costs fifty to one hundred dollars and checks for bacteria and nitrate. If iron staining bothers you, a sediment filter or iron removal system can help keep your water cleaner.