Groundwater in Henderson County contains radon, arsenic, and bacteria. Radon is the only contaminant reaching levels that exceed EPA health standards and deserves attention from well owners.
Radon enters groundwater as it breaks down naturally in the crystalline rock beneath Henderson County. Arsenic also occurs naturally in this rock and gets released into water as it flows through cracks and spaces underground. Bacteria can enter wells through cracks or poor construction, making it a contamination concern separate from the geology.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low mineral content overall. The crystalline rock here does not contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, or other minerals that would make water hard or create visible deposits. Most wells in Henderson County show this same soft-water pattern, though individual wells can vary.
Wells in Henderson County show radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural rock breakdown and can enter groundwater. When radon is in water and gets released into the air during daily use like showering, it can be breathed in and increase the risk of lung cancer over time. The county also has some wells with arsenic and bacteria concerns that warrant attention.
Since the county has soft water with low mineral content, most well owners here should not experience staining, scale buildup, or taste and odor problems from minerals. Your appliances like water heaters and dishwashers should not wear out faster than normal from mineral buildup.
We recommend testing your well water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels of radon, arsenic, and bacteria than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A basic screening for bacteria and nitrate costs fifty to one hundred dollars, while a comprehensive panel that includes metals and radon runs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options for radon include aeration systems or activated carbon filters, 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 7 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 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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