Iron, manganese, and arsenic are present in Lee County groundwater. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, which is a concern that well owners should address.
Carbonate rock layers beneath the county naturally contain these metals. When groundwater flows through limestone and other carbonate rock, it dissolves iron and manganese from the stone itself. Arsenic also occurs naturally in these rock formations. This is a geology problem, not pollution from human activity.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock below. As water passes through carbonate rock, it picks up these minerals and becomes hard. Very high iron levels are also a notable feature of the water here. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Lee County show iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that can build up in your body over time. High manganese exposure is particularly concerning for children and can affect brain development and nervous system function. Iron at elevated levels can cause organ damage with long-term exposure.
The very hard water in this county's wells creates noticeable everyday problems. You will see rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water leaves scale buildup on pipes and fixtures that reduces water flow and shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The water may taste metallic or bitter.
We recommend testing your well water since every well in the county is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like iron filters or water softeners can address these problems once you know your results.
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 | 8 | 38% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 8 | 38% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | 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.
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