Groundwater in Leon County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should address through testing and treatment.
The rock and soil layers beneath Leon County naturally contain minerals and salts that dissolve into groundwater over time. Iron and manganese come from the rock itself, while sulfate and chloride accumulate in deeper zones where water has been in contact with the rock for many years. In some areas, saltwater from deeper underground layers can mix upward and increase chloride levels.
Groundwater in Leon County is very hard, with elevated calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfate that reflect the mineral-rich rock below. The coastal uplands aquifer system here consists of mixed sand, silt, and clay layers that contain dissolved minerals from the surrounding rock. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Leon County commonly have arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Lead harms brain development in children and causes learning problems. Manganese affects the nervous system, and high chloride and sulfate can upset your stomach and digestive system.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which means you will see staining on fixtures and dishes, white scale buildup in pipes, and reduced water pressure from mineral deposits. Hard water makes soap less effective and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. The high sulfate levels can cause a rotten egg taste and smell that makes the water unpleasant to drink and use.
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 you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive water panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and nitrate, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like whole-house filters, softeners, and reverse osmosis systems 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 17 | 71% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 17 | 53% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 144 | 33% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 122 | 26% | High | High | |
| Lead | 105 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 106 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 185 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 16 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 17 | — | 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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