Your well draws water from layers of old limestone and dolomite rock that sit deep underground. These rock layers have tiny cracks and spaces where water collects and flows slowly. This same rock type stretches across your whole region, including all the neighboring counties around you.
The thick clay soil above these rock layers acts as a natural shield. This clay blocks contamination from reaching your groundwater. The rock itself is also protective because water moves so slowly through the cracks that harmful materials get filtered out before they reach your well.
Hard water is common in this area because limestone dissolves slowly and releases minerals into the water. You will notice white crusty buildup on faucets and inside pipes. A water softener will solve this problem and extend the life of your plumbing.
Your county's water data shows no contaminants detected at levels that exceed EPA health standards. This is good news for your family's drinking water. However, your well is in an area flagged for arsenic testing, which means groundwater in your region can contain this metal naturally. Testing your well is the smart next step to know what you're actually dealing with.
Even though nothing dangerous has been found yet in your area, untreated arsenic from long-term exposure can harm your health. Your water may also contain minerals like iron or sulfate that affect taste, smell, or cause staining on sinks and laundry, though we don't have those measurements for your county right now.
Get your well tested by a state-certified lab to know your water's actual quality. A basic health screen for bacteria and nitrate costs $50–100, while a comprehensive panel including arsenic and metals runs $200–400. Ask the lab to include arsenic in your test since your county is a priority area for this metal.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 18 | 41% | 50% · 11% · 39% | Moderate | High |
| Manganese | 10 | 33% | 30% · 40% · 30% | Low | High |
| Sulfate | 51 | 31% | 49% · 20% · 31% | Moderate | High |
| Arsenic | 6 | 20% | 67% · 17% · 17% | Low | High |
| Chloride | 35 | 0% | 97% · 3% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 19 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| pH | 6 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | — | — | Low | Safe |
| Sodium | 22 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Hardness | 31 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| Nitrate | 5 | — | — | 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.
Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
Loading recent water news…