Groundwater in Hood County contains iron, manganese, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to require treatment or monitoring.
The rocks beneath Hood County naturally contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the ground. Lead can enter groundwater from natural sources in the rock or from old well materials and pipes. These metals are common in the bedrock across this region and several neighboring counties.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron and manganese, the main minerals that shape the water's character. As water sits in contact with iron-bearing rocks underground, these metals dissolve and accumulate in the water supply. Wells across Hood County show these elevated iron and manganese levels as a widespread pattern.
Wells in Hood County commonly have iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and affect your blood and nervous system. Lead is especially concerning because it can harm children's brain development and cause learning problems, and it affects adults' blood pressure and kidney function too.
The iron and manganese in county well water create visible staining on fixtures, dishes, and laundry that is hard to remove. Water may taste metallic or look discolored when it comes out of the tap. These minerals can clog pipes and reduce water flow over time, and they shorten the lifespan of water heaters and other appliances.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400, since multiple contaminants are a concern in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. Iron and manganese filters or water softeners can help reduce these 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 | 164 | 17% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 146 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 53 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 53 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 291 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 68 | — | Moderate | Safe |
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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