Groundwater in Scioto County contains manganese, iron, lead, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants require attention from well owners.
The manganese, iron, and lead come from the rock layers beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the bedrock, it dissolves these metals naturally. PFOA is a human-made chemical that can persist in groundwater and may come from industrial or commercial sources in the area.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium along with high levels of iron. The rock formations here naturally release these minerals as water passes through. These characteristics show up across most wells in Scioto County.
Wells in Scioto County commonly contain iron, lead, manganese, and PFOA at levels above EPA health standards. Lead can harm brain development in children and damage the kidneys and nervous system in adults. Iron and manganese can affect the blood and organs with long-term exposure. PFOA is a chemical linked to serious health effects including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system problems.
The very hard water in this county leaves white crusty scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. Iron causes orange-brown or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or bitter. Water this hard can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
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 contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended. Iron removal systems combined with water softeners can help address 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 16 | 100% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 22 | 86% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Lead | 19 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 21 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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