Groundwater in Scott County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners need to address.
The rock layers beneath Scott County naturally contain metals like iron, manganese, and arsenic. Agricultural land use and road salt also add chloride and nitrate to groundwater. Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium in the bedrock above.
Groundwater in Scott County is very hard, driven by elevated iron and manganese dissolved from the rock. These minerals accumulate in water that sits underground in contact with the county's mixed rock layers. Very high iron and very hard water conditions are widespread across wells in this county.
Wells in Scott County show concerning levels of arsenic, chloride, lead, nitrate, and radon that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Nitrate is dangerous for infants and can affect oxygen in the blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. Manganese and iron at high levels can also affect the brain and nervous system.
The very hard water in county wells creates real problems at home. You will see rust stains on fixtures and laundry from the high iron. Scale builds up inside pipes and water heaters, shortening their lifespan. Dishwashers and other appliances wear out faster. The water may taste metallic or have a rotten egg smell from the iron and sulfate.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel because 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 is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals test runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or aeration can address multiple contaminants depending on what testing shows.
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 | 23 | 77% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 15 | 64% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 8 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 26 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 41 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 47 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 73 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 73 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 36 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 15 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 51 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| 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.
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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