Groundwater in Jefferson County contains manganese, iron, and sulfate that exceed EPA health standards, along with lead and chloride at concerning levels. These concentrations warrant testing and treatment.
The Mississippian rock beneath Jefferson County naturally contains iron and manganese that dissolve into groundwater over time. Sulfate forms when water contacts sulfur-bearing minerals in the bedrock. Low-oxygen conditions deep in the aquifer allow these metals to stay dissolved rather than settling out.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated iron and manganese from the bedrock below. The slow movement of water through cracks in the Mississippian rock allows these minerals to accumulate. These characteristics show up across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Jefferson County commonly have chloride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead damages brain development and nervous system function, especially in children. Manganese at elevated levels can harm brain function and behavior. Iron and sulfate at high concentrations pose separate health risks over time.
Your well water in this county likely shows the mineral impacts of extremely hard water. The high iron content causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Sulfate gives the water a bitter taste. This extreme hardness leaves thick white scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters and can shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants 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 between $200 and $400. Treatment options like aeration systems combined with water softeners and specialized filters can address these concerns.
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 | 84 | 68% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 87 | 62% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 73 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 54 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 74 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 46 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 50 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 42 | 0% | Moderate | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 68 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 84 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 46 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 88 | — | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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