Iron, manganese, and PFOS are present in Davidson County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the crystalline rock beneath the county. This rock contains minerals that slowly release these metals into groundwater as water moves through cracks and spaces in the stone. PFOS enters groundwater through human activities and industrial use in the area.
Groundwater in this county is very high in iron, the dominant mineral that shapes water character here. The crystalline rock that supplies wells contains iron-bearing minerals that dissolve as slightly acidic groundwater passes through them. Many wells across the county show elevated iron levels.
Wells in Davidson County commonly have iron and manganese at levels above EPA health standards, along with PFOS contamination. Iron and manganese can cause problems with your nervous system and blood over time with long-term exposure. PFOS is a human-made chemical that does not break down in the environment or your body and has been linked to health concerns with exposure over many years.
Iron in county wells leaves behind orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and surfaces. You might notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water or see rust-colored buildup in your plumbing. The good news is that the county's water is naturally soft, so you won't face the scale buildup and shortened appliance lifespans that hard water causes.
We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out what is actually in your well, since 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 treatment your specific water needs. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal systems and activated carbon filters can address these concerns once you understand your water's makeup.
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 | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | 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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