Groundwater in Polk County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, radon, PFOA, and PFOS above EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants reach levels high enough to be concerning, though iron and manganese are the most commonly detected in wells across the county.
The rock and soil beneath Polk County naturally contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater. Radon comes from radioactive elements in the rock itself. Arsenic and chloride can enter from both natural sources in the ground and from human activities like industrial operations and road salt use. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some wells through past manufacturing or disposal practices.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with iron and moderate sodium levels as the main minerals that shape its character. The local rocks release these minerals as water flows through, and iron concentration is substantial enough to be noticeable in wells throughout the area. Most wells in Polk County show at least some iron and hardness, making these the defining features of the water quality here.
Wells in Polk County show several contaminants above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to liver problems and immune system effects. Radon is a radioactive gas that raises lung cancer risk when breathed in over years. Chloride, manganese, and iron also exceed safe levels in county wells and need attention.
The moderate amounts of iron and minerals in Polk County wells create everyday problems. Iron stains laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures orange or brown. Hard water leaves scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes, reducing water flow. Elevated sodium gives water a salty taste that many people notice right away. Over time, mineral buildup can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well to know exactly what you're dealing with. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, and chemicals costs two hundred to four hundred dollars and is the only way to get answers. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, or water softeners can address multiple problems depending on what testing reveals.
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 | 83 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 280 | 35% | High | High | |
| Radon | 6 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 40 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 83 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 251 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 78 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 60 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 40 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 40 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 40 | — | 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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