Well Water in Madison County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Madison County contains radon, manganese, and arsenic. Manganese and radon are present at levels high enough to exceed EPA drinking water standards, so well owners should test for these contaminants.

These elements come from the rock layers underground in this area. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in the Valley and Ridge rocks beneath Madison County. Radon seeps from radioactive minerals within those same rock formations and enters groundwater as it moves through cracks and spaces underground.

Groundwater in Madison County is soft, with very low iron, sodium, and sulfate. The local rock does not contribute minerals that create hardness or iron staining. Most wells in this county have similarly soft water with low mineral content.

Wells in Madison County can have elevated manganese and radon above EPA health standards. Manganese at high levels can affect how your brain and nervous system work, especially in children and babies. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and can increase your risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.

The good news is that the mineral content in county wells is generally very low. You won't have to worry about hard water staining your sinks and fixtures or damaging your appliances. Your water should taste clean without any metallic flavors or sulfur smells.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your well could have higher or lower levels than what we see across the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and can check for metals and other concerns, and treatment options like activated carbon filters or radon ventilation systems can help if needed.