Groundwater in Ross County contains iron, manganese, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require attention.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the bedrock as groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the rock layers beneath the county. Lead can enter from older well components or accumulate in stagnant water. The Silurian-Devonian rock formation here contains these metals naturally, and the slow movement of water through tight spaces allows them to concentrate.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite bedrock below. Water sitting in contact with iron-rich rock dissolves these minerals over time. These characteristics show up across wells throughout Ross County.
Wells in Ross County commonly have iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead is especially harmful to children's brain development and nervous system function. Manganese at elevated levels can affect how the brain works, particularly in young children. Iron at high concentrations can cause problems with blood and organs over time.
Hard water in this county leaves white crusty buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange-brown or rust-colored. The water may also have a metallic taste. Extremely hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances that use 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 is recommended. Water softeners combined with iron and lead removal systems can address many of these issues.
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 | 103 | 69% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 95 | 65% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 90 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 85 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 104 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 84 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 9 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 73 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 60 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 105 | — | High | 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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