Well Water in Floyd County: What to Test and Why

Radon, iron, and manganese are present in Floyd County's groundwater and well owners should be aware of all three. Iron and manganese levels are at moderate concern, while radon exceeds EPA health standards and requires attention.

These contaminants come from the carbonate bedrock beneath the county. As water moves through limestone and other carbonate rock layers, it dissolves iron and manganese from the stone. Radon seeps from natural radioactive decay within the rock itself and enters groundwater as it passes through fractures and pores in the stone.

Groundwater in this county is soft overall, but iron is the notable mineral present at moderate levels. The carbonate rock naturally contains iron-bearing minerals that dissolve into water as it flows underground. Most wells in Floyd County show detectable iron, making it a common characteristic of the water supply here.

Wells in Floyd County commonly have iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can cause problems with your blood and organs over time, especially for children and pregnant women. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in homes and increases the risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.

The iron and manganese in county well water can stain your clothes, dishes, and bathroom fixtures with orange, brown, or black marks that are hard to remove. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or see rust-colored buildup on faucets and in pipes. The good news is that Floyd County's water is naturally soft, so you won't deal with scale buildup or problems from hard water damaging your appliances.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will tell you what you're actually dealing with. Testing is the only way to know if you need treatment, which might include an iron filter or radon ventilation system depending on what you find.