Well Water in Freestone County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Freestone County contains iron, manganese, and arsenic. Iron and manganese are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and require attention from well owners.

Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock layers beneath this county. The local geology contains minerals that release these metals into groundwater as water moves through the soil and stone underground.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and carries elevated iron from the local rocks. The mineral content reflects the natural composition of the aquifer materials in this area, and these characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.

Iron and manganese are found at levels above EPA health standards in wells across Freestone County. Iron can build up in your body over time and cause problems with your heart and organs. Manganese at elevated levels can affect your nervous system and cause issues with memory and coordination. Arsenic is also present in county groundwater and damages your kidneys and can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure.

Water from county wells tends to be moderately hard, which means you will probably see rust-colored staining on your sinks, bathtubs, and laundry. The iron can give water an unpleasant metallic taste and smell. Hard water makes soap less effective and leaves scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. Over time, hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

Your well is different from every other well in the county, so your water could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants. Testing is the only way to find out exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like iron filters or reverse osmosis systems can remove these contaminants from your drinking water.