Groundwater in Russell County contains manganese, sulfate, and chloride at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that well owners should monitor and address.
The rock beneath Russell County is coal and shale from an ancient swamp environment. Water moving through this rock dissolves manganese and picks up sulfate from minerals in the shale. Chloride comes from deep underground salt layers and from road salt that seeps down through soil into groundwater during winter months.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock layers. As water sits in contact with coal and shale for long periods, it absorbs these minerals naturally. Most wells in Russell County show this moderate hardness signature.
Wells in Russell County show chloride, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can affect the nervous system with long-term exposure, especially in children. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues in some people. Testing your well is the only way to know if these contaminants are present in your water.
The moderate hardness in county wells can cause some quality-of-life concerns. You might notice white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads, or spots on dishes after washing. Hard water can make soap less effective and may dry out skin. Over time, mineral deposits can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend a comprehensive testing panel for your well since multiple analytes exceed standards in this county. Your well could have higher or lower levels than the county average, and testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners or filters that remove manganese and chloride can help treat these issues if testing shows they are present in your well.
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 | 9 | 38% | 33% · 33% · 33% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Sulfate | 69 | 9% | 84% · 7% · 9% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Chloride | 48 | 2% | 98% · 0% · 2% | Moderate | Low |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| Iron | 8 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 24 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 8 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Sodium | 65 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 23 | — | — | Moderate | 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.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
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