Groundwater in Union County contains iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require your attention.
The bedrock beneath Union County naturally contains these minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fractures in the rock, iron and manganese dissolve out of the stone. Sulfate comes from sulfur-bearing minerals baked into the same rock layers. None of these contaminants come from pollution--they are part of the geology itself.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock below. The slow contact between water and these mineral-rich rocks concentrates hardness over time. Most wells across Union County show these hard-water and elevated iron and sulfate characteristics.
Iron, manganese, and sulfate exceed EPA health standards in wells in this county. Iron and manganese can harm your brain and nervous system over time, affecting learning, memory, and coordination. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues, especially in infants and people with certain health conditions.
Wells in this county produce very hard water, which leaves thick white crusty buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. The high iron content stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange-brown. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
We recommend testing your well 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. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include water softeners paired with iron filters to address hardness and elevated iron together.
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 | 87 | 92% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 37 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 83 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 76 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 89 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 67 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 80 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 68 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 5 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 71 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 90 | — | 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.
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