Well owners in Rains County should be aware of nitrate, manganese, and pfos in their groundwater. These contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from a mix of natural and human sources. Nitrate enters groundwater mainly from agricultural activities and septic systems in the area. Manganese leaches naturally from the rock layers beneath the county. PFOS, a human-made chemical used in industrial products and firefighting foam, has contaminated some wells through land disposal and spills.
Groundwater in Rains County is moderately hard, with elevated sodium being the most notable mineral characteristic. The rock layers here naturally release sodium as water passes through them over time. Sodium levels are high across many wells in this county, while iron and hardness appear at moderate levels in the water supplies tested.
Wells in Rains County contain iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOS, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the nervous system and organs over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and young children, potentially causing serious blood oxygen problems. PFOS is a human-made chemical that builds up in your body and may harm your immune system and liver.
Wells in this county are moderately hard with elevated sodium. You may notice rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water can have a metallic or bitter taste. Hard water can reduce how long water heaters and dishwashers last by building up mineral deposits inside them.
Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than what's 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 metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Iron filters, water softeners, or other targeted treatment can address the specific problems your well has.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 19 | 32% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 15 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 15 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 38 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Chloride | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 77 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 5 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 15 | — | 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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