Well Water in Lee County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lee County contains manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers a concern and warrant attention from well owners.

The limestone and carbonate rock beneath Lee County naturally releases manganese and sulfate into groundwater as water moves through these layers. Radon comes from radioactive decay in the bedrock itself and seeps into groundwater over time. These are natural sources tied to the county's geology rather than pollution from human activity.

Groundwater in Lee County is notably hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the limestone bedrock. The carbonate rock that fills this region readily dissolves in water, releasing these minerals into wells throughout the area. Elevated hardness is common across Lee County wells.

Wells in Lee County contain sulfate, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rock underground and increases the risk of lung cancer when people breathe in the gas that comes out of the water. Manganese can affect how the brain develops in children and cause problems with movement and behavior at elevated levels. Sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive issues and loose stools in people who are not used to it, especially children and people new to the area.

The mineral levels in county well water generally do not cause major problems with staining, scaling, or taste. Water from wells here is not extremely hard, so appliances like water heaters should not wear out faster than normal. Most people in this county report that their water quality feels fine for everyday use.

We recommend testing your well water because every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly if needed. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel that checks for these contaminants runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water treatment options like ion exchange filters or aeration systems can remove or reduce these contaminants depending on which ones are found in your well.