Groundwater in Martin County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, and PFHXS and PFOS chemicals that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that require attention from well owners in this area.
The rock layers beneath Martin County naturally contain arsenic, iron, and manganese that dissolve into groundwater over time. PFHXS and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial use, firefighting foam, or disposal sites. Chloride and sulfate come from both natural mineral weathering and road salt or agricultural practices that seep down into the water below.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high iron and elevated sulfate that concentrate in the local rock. The sandy and rocky layers here allow water to move through slowly, picking up these minerals as it travels underground. Many wells across Martin County show these same hard water characteristics with notable iron and sulfate levels.
Wells in Martin County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, chloride, sulfate, iron, manganese, and PFOS and PFHXS (industrial chemicals). Arsenic and lead can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Manganese affects the nervous system in children. PFOS and PFHXS build up in your body over time and may harm your immune system and thyroid.
The water in this county is very hard, which causes white scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes and appliances. Iron stains laundry, sinks, and fixtures orange or brown. Hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste or rotten egg odor from the high sulfate and iron levels.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A full metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on results, treatment might include a water softener, iron filter, or activated carbon system.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 9 | 89% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 26 | 85% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 44 | 81% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 61 | 64% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 32 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 39 | 21% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 55 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 63 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 12 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 39 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 25 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 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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