Groundwater in Union County contains PFOA, iron, chloride, arsenic, lead, and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for well owners in this area.
The underlying rock in this county is an Early Mesozoic basin--layered sedimentary rock that naturally releases iron, arsenic, and other metals into groundwater over time. Chloride enters from road salt and urban activities in this densely populated area, accumulating in the water as it moves through the rock. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater through past manufacturing and disposal practices.
Groundwater in this county is marked by moderate iron and moderate sodium alongside naturally occurring arsenic and lead from the basin rock. The sedimentary layers here contain these metals, which dissolve into water passing through them. Many wells across Union County show these characteristics because the geology beneath the county creates conditions that concentrate these contaminants.
Wells in Union County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, sulfate, iron, arsenic, lead, PFOA, and PFOS. Arsenic exposure over time raises cancer risk and can harm organs. Lead damages the nervous system and causes developmental problems in children. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can affect the immune system and liver function. Chloride at elevated levels poses risks for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Iron in county wells creates rust-colored or brown staining on fixtures and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in the water. These minerals can clog pipes and reduce water flow over time. The moderate sodium levels add a salty taste that some people notice when drinking or cooking.
Your well is unique, and testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Every well in this county is different -- yours could have higher or lower levels than what we see countywide. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all these contaminants, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 56 | 46% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 20 | 37% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 73 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 56 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 51 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 48 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 36 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 49 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 56 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 11 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Sodium | 72 | — | — | 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.
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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