Groundwater in Henderson County contains manganese, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should take them seriously.
The rocks beneath Henderson County naturally contain iron and manganese, and groundwater dissolves these metals as it moves through the soil and stone. Lead can enter groundwater from old pipes, plumbing fixtures, or soil contamination near the well. Both the natural mineral content and human-made sources contribute to what comes out of your tap.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron and sodium, which come from the rock layers underground. The soft water means calcium and magnesium are low, but the iron gives the water its mineral character. These characteristics show up in many wells across the county, though individual wells can vary in how much iron or sodium they contain.
Wells in Henderson County have been found with iron, lead, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Iron buildup in your body can damage your heart and organs over time. Lead is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women because it harms brain development and learning. Manganese at high levels can affect your nervous system and cause problems with movement and thinking.
The iron and high sodium in county wells create real quality-of-life issues. Iron stains your clothes, dishes, and plumbing fixtures a reddish-brown color that's hard to remove. The high sodium content can affect the taste of your water and make it feel salty. You may also notice rust-colored water coming from your taps.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what you are dealing with so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron removal systems and lead filters are available treatment options.
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 | 116 | 29% | High | High | |
| Iron | 263 | 24% | High | High | |
| Lead | 87 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 89 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 355 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 44 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 10 | — | 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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