Groundwater in Highland County contains manganese, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require attention from well owners.
The rock beneath Highland County naturally contains these metals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the bedrock and sits in low-oxygen conditions underground, manganese and iron dissolve out of the rock. Lead can enter groundwater from natural deposits in the rock and from aging well components or plumbing in contact with acidic water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite bedrock. The same slow movement of water through rock fractures that releases manganese and iron also allows the water to absorb these hardness minerals over time. Very hard water with high iron is common across wells in Highland County.
Wells in Highland County commonly have iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that dissolve from bedrock into groundwater. Lead can enter your water from soil and rock contact, and exposure to lead harms brain development in children and can damage kidneys and the nervous system in adults. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the brain and nervous system over time. These health risks are serious and require attention.
The water in Highland County is extremely hard, which leaves thick white crusty buildup on pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange-brown or rust-colored. The extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic taste or odor in your 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 water so it can be properly treated. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel (typically $200-400) is recommended. Treatment options like a water softener combined with an iron filter or reverse osmosis system can address these concerns.
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 | 20 | 95% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 20 | 90% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 20 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 7 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 20 | — | 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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