Well Water in Clark County: What to Test and Why

Your well water comes from old limestone and dolomite rock layers beneath Clark County. These rocks have tiny cracks and spaces that store and carry water. The same rock layers extend under neighboring counties to the north and south.

Iron, chloride, and radon all come naturally from this limestone. As water sits in these rocks and moves through cracks over many years, it dissolves iron from the stone itself. Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the slow decay of uranium in the rock. Chloride enters the groundwater from natural salt deposits in the deep layers, not from road salt or pollution.

Your water is extremely hard because limestone dissolves calcium and magnesium into it. You will see white crusty buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Iron at these levels stains sinks and toilets orange-brown and will clog water treatment equipment over time.

Radon, arsenic, and chloride in Clark County well water exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural decay in the bedrock. Arsenic and chloride both show up at levels that warrant immediate attention. This is a high-priority situation that needs testing right away.

Long-term exposure to radon increases lung cancer risk. Arsenic can harm your kidneys and digestive system over time. Your water is extremely hard with very high iron, which will stain sinks and toilets orange-brown and clog pipes with crusty buildup. You may also notice a metallic taste.

Contact a state-certified lab for a comprehensive mineral and metals test, which typically costs $200–400. A water softener will handle the hardness, but you need specialized treatment to remove arsenic and radon from your water.