Groundwater in Scott County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, and PFAS chemicals (PFOS, PFOA, and PFHXS). Multiple of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for your household.
These contaminants come from mixed sources in the local area. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock layers underground. Arsenic and lead also occur naturally in some rock formations. Nitrate enters from fertilizer and septic systems on the land above. PFAS chemicals are human-made compounds from industrial use and contaminated sites that have worked into groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock below. The non-carbonate rock here releases these minerals slowly as water passes through. Very hard water is widespread across wells in Scott County.
Scott County wells contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that can damage organs and harm child development. Nitrate affects infants and vulnerable people. Manganese impacts nervous system health. The chemicals PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS build up in your body over time and pose serious health risks. Chloride at elevated levels also presents health concerns for certain populations.
The county's water is very hard, which creates visible problems in your home. You'll see orange or brown staining on fixtures and laundry from iron. Scale buildup clogs pipes and reduces water pressure. Hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap and shampoo work poorly, and you'll use more of them.
We recommend getting your well tested, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what's actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs $200-400 and will check for all these contaminants. Treatment options like water softeners, iron filters, and activated carbon systems can address multiple concerns at once.
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 | 62 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 81 | 46% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 58 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 53 | 28% | Moderate | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 48 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 44 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 44 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 66 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 93 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 63 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 3* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 28 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 45 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 62 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | 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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