Well Water in Nelson County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Nelson County contains iron, PFOA, and PFOS that well owners should monitor. PFOA and PFOS exceed EPA health standards, while iron and sulfate are detected at elevated levels that require attention.

These contaminants come from different sources. Iron occurs naturally in the bedrock of the Early Mesozoic basin that underlies this county. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater through industrial activity, firefighting foam use, or waste disposal sites. Sulfate and nitrate can also come from land-use activities like agriculture or septic systems. The basin rocks in this area allow these substances to move through the groundwater.

Groundwater in this county is soft and characterized by moderate iron content. Iron concentrates in the groundwater because the basin rocks contain iron minerals that dissolve slowly as water moves through them. Many wells in Nelson County show similar iron levels, making this a common trait across the area.

Wells in Nelson County commonly have PFOA and PFOS, which are chemicals that build up in your body over time and can affect your immune system and thyroid. Nitrate is also found above safe levels in some county wells and is especially concerning for babies and pregnant women, as it reduces oxygen in the blood. Sulfate appears in elevated amounts in some wells here, though the main concern is digestive issues with long-term exposure.

Iron in county wells is present at moderate levels, which means you might see orange or brown staining on your sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or leave spots on dishes and glassware. The good news is that Nelson County wells are generally soft, so you won't deal with stubborn scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespans like homeowners in harder water areas experience.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what's in it, since every well is different and yours could have much higher or much lower levels than what's common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you're actually drinking and what treatment would work best for your family. A comprehensive panel checking for metals, minerals, and contaminants typically costs $200 to $400 and can identify whether you need a water filter, reverse osmosis system, or other treatment.