Groundwater in Columbia County contains iron, manganese, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFOA and PFOS), along with arsenic and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing important for well owners.
These contaminants come from the Mississippian rock layer beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in this old rock, iron and manganese dissolve naturally into the water. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have entered some wells, likely from industrial or commercial sources in the area or from past disposal practices.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the bedrock below. Iron and manganese contribute to the water's mineral character as the groundwater sits in contact with iron-bearing rocks. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county, though levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Columbia County commonly contain arsenic, manganese, PFOA, and PFOS at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time increases the risk of cancer and can affect the skin and organs. Manganese at elevated levels can harm brain development and function, especially in children. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that build up in the body and may affect the immune system and other health markers.
Wells in this county typically show moderate iron levels that cause orange or rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water is moderately hard, which means some scale buildup on pipes and fixtures is common. You may notice a metallic taste or slight odor in your water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel since multiple analytes exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well 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 panel typically costs $200 to $400, and treatment options like activated carbon filters and ion exchange systems can address these specific contaminants.
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 | 88 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 86 | 38% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 114 | 19% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 22 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 115 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 91 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 83 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 109 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 84 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 88 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 109 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 91 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | 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.
* 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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