Radon, arsenic, and chloride are present in groundwater across Highland County. Radon levels exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention, while arsenic and chloride are detected but at levels below those thresholds.
The rock beneath this county naturally contains radioactive elements that break down and release radon into groundwater. Arsenic occurs where the bedrock contains it, and chloride can enter from road salt and natural mineral sources in the surrounding rock and soil.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the bedrock. The mixed rock types in Highland County release these minerals as water flows through, and this hardness pattern is common across wells throughout the area.
Radon is the main health concern in Highland County wells. This radioactive gas comes naturally from the earth and can increase the risk of lung cancer over time when breathed in. Arsenic is also present in some county wells and can cause health problems with long-term exposure, including increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system.
Wells in this county have very hard water, which means you will probably see white scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap less effective for cleaning and can leave spots on dishes and shower doors. Over time, very hard water can shorten the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines by creating mineral deposits inside them.
We recommend testing your well water, since every well in this county is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than average. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly if needed. A comprehensive panel checking for radon, arsenic, and minerals typically costs $200-400. Radon can be removed with aeration systems, and arsenic can be treated with special filters.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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