Well water in Clinton County contains iron, arsenic, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. The presence of arsenic and PFOS is a serious concern that requires testing and treatment.
Arsenic and iron dissolve naturally from the rock layers beneath the county as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fractures underground. PFOS is a synthetic chemical that comes from industrial sources and can persist in groundwater over time. These contaminants accumulate in the water as it sits in low-oxygen conditions deep below the surface.
Groundwater in Clinton County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and shale bedrock below. The same rock layers that contribute hardness also release iron, which adds an orange-brown character to the water. Very hard water with high iron is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Arsenic, iron, manganese, and PFOS exceed EPA health standards in wells across Clinton County. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over years and can cause serious illness. Manganese can harm brain development in children and affect nerve function in adults. Iron at high levels can damage organs over time. PFOS is a human-made chemical that accumulates in blood and can weaken your immune system.
The water in Clinton County is extremely hard, leaving thick white crusty buildup on faucets and shower heads. Iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste or rotten-egg smell. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers, forcing you to replace them sooner.
We recommend testing your well right away because every well is different and yours 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 water so it can be properly treated. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended and typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems combined with water softeners.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 18 | 83% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 18 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 18 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 18 | — | 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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