Well owners in Martin County need to know that their groundwater contains manganese, iron, arsenic, lead, and PFOA and PFOS--chemicals that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious and demand attention.
The rock beneath Martin County naturally contains manganese and iron, which dissolve into groundwater over time. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the county's rock layers. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have contaminated some wells through industrial use and improper disposal; these require investigation of your well's location and nearby sources. Lead can enter from older plumbing in your home.
Water in Martin County is very hard, driven by high calcium and magnesium, and it also carries elevated iron, sodium, and sulfate from the rock below. The hard water reflects the mineral-rich character of the underlying rock, while iron and sulfate dissolve naturally as water moves through it. Most wells across the county show these mineral characteristics.
Wells in Martin County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. PFOS, PFHXS, PFNA, and PFOA are human-made chemicals that can build up in your body over time and affect your liver, immune system, and thyroid. Arsenic is a toxic metal that damages kidneys and increases cancer risk. Lead harms brain development in children and damages the nervous system in adults. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect your brain and nervous system with long-term exposure.
The mineral content in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life problems. The water is extremely hard, which leaves white scale buildup inside pipes and reduces how long water heaters and dishwashers last. You'll see orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The high sulfate levels can create a bitter or salty taste. Soap won't lather well, and your skin and hair may feel dry after bathing.
Every well in Martin County is different, and yours could have higher or lower contamination than what's common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems, activated carbon filters, or ion exchange can remove many of these contaminants.
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 | 13 | 100% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 17 | 76% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 23 | 74% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 30 | 73% | Moderate | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 62% | Low | High | |
| Sulfate | 18 | 44% | Moderate | High | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 21 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 21 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 16 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | 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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