Well Water in Henry County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Henry County contains radon, manganese, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are high enough that well owners should be aware of them.

The rock beneath this county is an Early Mesozoic basin formation that naturally contains radioactive elements and iron-bearing minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through these rocks over many years, it dissolves radon gas and picks up manganese and iron. This is a natural process that happens in this type of geology.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with elevated iron as the main aesthetic characteristic. Iron comes from minerals in the basin rock that dissolve as water passes through. Most wells in Henry County show some iron in their water, though individual wells vary.

Wells in Henry County have been found with iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and cause damage to your organs and nervous system. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks underground and can increase your risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.

Your water in this county is naturally soft, which is good for your skin and soap. However, the moderate iron levels can cause orange or brown staining on laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. Iron can also give water a metallic taste and create rust-colored deposits in pipes and appliances over time.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals along with radon, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and manganese can be removed with filtering systems, and radon can be addressed with ventilation or aeration treatment.