Groundwater in Hubbard County contains iron, arsenic, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners need to know about them and take action.
The rock beneath Hubbard County naturally contains these metals. Iron and arsenic leach into groundwater as water moves through the rock layers underground. Lead can come from both natural rock sources and from old pipes or fixtures in wells and plumbing systems. The other rock types in this area are more prone to releasing these metals than the sandstone and limestone found in neighboring counties.
Groundwater in this county is moderately high in iron, which comes from the natural minerals in the rock. Iron concentrations are notable enough that many wells in the area show detectable amounts. Arsenic and lead occur in the groundwater from the same natural geologic sources, though their presence varies from well to well across the county.
Wells in Hubbard County can contain arsenic, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can increase cancer risk and cause skin problems. Lead is especially harmful to children's brain development and can affect learning and behavior. Iron itself is not a health threat at the levels found here, but arsenic and lead require attention because they build up in your body.
The iron in county well water creates staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste or reddish-brown discoloration. Iron can clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time. The good news is that sodium and sulfate levels are low, so you won't experience the scaling and appliance wear that comes with very hard water.
We recommend getting your well tested to know exactly what is in your water. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is a good choice, which typically costs $200 to $400. Every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know for sure and figure out the right treatment, whether that is a whole-house filter for iron or activated carbon for arsenic and lead.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 20 | 47% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 48 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 15 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 57 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 13 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Sodium | 49 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
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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