Groundwater in Union County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, sulfate, and fluoride. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.
The Early Mesozoic basin rock beneath Union County naturally releases iron, manganese, and arsenic into groundwater as water moves through the stone. Road salt from de-icing and urban development adds chloride and sulfate. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have entered the water supply from past manufacturing and waste disposal in this densely developed area.
Groundwater in Union County is very hard, driven primarily by elevated calcium and magnesium leaching from the basin rock below. Moderate iron levels and moderate sodium add to the mineral content typical of this rock type. These characteristics show up consistently across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Union County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, sulfate, and fluoride. Arsenic damages the kidneys and increases cancer risk over time. Chloride at high levels affects people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Manganese harms brain development in children. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that build up in your body and can affect your immune system and liver.
County well water is very hard, which means scale builds up inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers and can shorten their lifespan. The moderate iron and manganese create rust-colored or brown staining on laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water. The sodium adds a salty flavor.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be treated properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and chemicals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or water softeners can address multiple contaminants 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 60 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 56 | 45% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 56 | 30% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 60 | 15% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 59 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 33 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 52 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 59 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 57 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 60 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 55 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 59 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 58 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 67 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 60 | — | 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.
* 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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