Groundwater in Clay County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, lead, nitrate, chloride, and sulfate. Multiple contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making water testing essential for your well.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. The Lower Cretaceous rocks here naturally release iron and manganese as groundwater moves through them over time. Nitrate, chloride, and sulfate enter from fertilizer use and road salt on the land surface, then seep down into the water below. Arsenic and lead also occur naturally in the bedrock and accumulate in groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium, and contains very high iron and high sodium. The rock composition here naturally produces these minerals as water passes through it underground. These characteristics show up across most wells in the county.
Arsenic, lead, nitrate, and chloride exceed EPA health standards in Clay County wells. Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that build up in the body over time and damage organs, especially the brain and kidneys. Nitrate is particularly dangerous for babies and pregnant women, causing serious illness. Chloride at high levels can harm people with heart disease or high blood pressure.
Water in this county is extremely hard, which causes white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. You will see rust-colored or brown staining from iron on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste salty or bitter, and soap does not work well. Hard water this severe shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to find out what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, and activated carbon filters are common treatment approaches.
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 | 70 | 96% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 171 | 84% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 127 | 61% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 166 | 31% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 171 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 116 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 127 | 2% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 144 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 88 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 88 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sodium | 166 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 30 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 24 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…