Well Water in Iron County: What to Test and Why

Iron County groundwater contains iron, manganese, lead, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that warrant immediate attention.

The Jacobsville sandstone that underlies this county naturally contains iron-rich minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in this rock, it dissolves iron, manganese, and lead, which concentrate in the water over time. Chloride enters from road salt and other surface sources that seep downward into the aquifer.

Groundwater in this county is very high in iron, which is the dominant mineral characteristic. Iron concentrates here because the local sandstone bedrock is packed with iron-bearing minerals that dissolve as water passes through. Elevated iron is widespread across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Iron County commonly contain chloride, iron, lead, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Lead damages brain development in children and harms the kidneys and nervous system in people of all ages. Manganese at elevated levels can affect brain function and development. Chloride at high levels raises health concerns for people on sodium-restricted diets. Iron and these other metals accumulate in your body over time with long-term exposure.

Iron at very high levels in county wells causes orange-brown staining on laundry, dishes, and fixtures. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. The county's water is soft, so you won't deal with scale buildup on pipes and appliances like you would with hard water.

We recommend a comprehensive water test for metals and minerals, since multiple analytes exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different--your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals panel runs $200-400. Treatment options like aeration systems and activated carbon filters can help reduce iron and other contaminants.