Groundwater in Kimble County contains radon, nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant attention from well owners.
Radon comes from natural decay of uranium in the rock below. Nitrate enters groundwater from septic systems and agricultural activities on the land surface. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock as water moves through it underground. The mix of rock types in this county creates conditions where these elements release into the water.
Groundwater in Kimble County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other rock layers below. Hard water forms here because water percolates slowly through rock that contains these minerals, giving them time to dissolve. Most wells in this county show this same very hard water character.
Wells in Kimble County can have elevated levels of iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon. Iron and manganese at high levels can cause health problems if you drink the water over time. Nitrate is especially concerning for babies and can interfere with how their blood carries oxygen. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in enclosed spaces and increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure.
The very hard water in this county creates everyday problems in your home. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It makes soap less effective and can leave your skin and hair feeling dry. Over time, extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by years.
We recommend testing your well water because every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and nitrate costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Once you know what you are dealing with, treatment options like iron filters, water softeners, or radon removal systems can address your specific 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 13 | 15% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 99 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 67 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 202 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | 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.
Loading recent water news…