Groundwater in Hamilton County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, chloride, lead, nitrate, PFOS, sulfate, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant your attention.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the mixed bedrock as groundwater moves slowly through rock fractures and spaces. Arsenic, lead, uranium, and PFOS are embedded in the rock itself or have accumulated through past land use and industrial activity. Chloride, nitrate, and sulfate can wash down from the surface where roads are salted, fertilizers are applied, and sewage has been present.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and carbonate-bearing rock below. The same bedrock that produces hardness also releases iron and manganese into the water as it moves through fractures over time. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Hamilton County.
Wells in Hamilton County commonly contain arsenic, lead, uranium, nitrate, and PFOS at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are metals that can cause cancer and kidney damage with long-term exposure. Lead is especially dangerous for children and can harm brain development. Nitrate contamination can interfere with how blood carries oxygen, particularly in infants. PFOS is a human-made chemical that can affect immune system function and cholesterol levels.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which means you will see thick white crusty buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Iron causes orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The combination of hardness and high mineral content can make soap less effective and leave clothes feeling stiff. Extremely hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or mineral taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your water 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 properly treated. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, typically costing $200 to $400. Treatment options may include reverse osmosis systems, radon aeration, and water softeners depending on your test results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 275 | 68% | High | High | |
| Iron | 289 | 26% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 198 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 36 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 51 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 226 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 153 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 286 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 164 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 181 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 139 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 247 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 280 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 35 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 262 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | 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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