Well Water in Jackson County: What to Test and Why

Iron, arsenic, and chloride are present in Jackson County groundwater. Iron exceeds EPA health standards at elevated levels, while arsenic and chloride are detected but at lower concern levels.

Iron comes from the rock layers beneath the county that naturally contain iron-bearing minerals. As water slowly moves through these rocks underground, iron dissolves into the water. Arsenic and chloride enter from natural minerals in the rock and from surface sources like road salt and agriculture.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with iron being the main mineral character. The soft water comes from the low calcium and magnesium in the local rock, but iron concentrations are notably high across many wells in the area.

Iron is the main health concern in wells across Jackson County. When iron levels get too high, it can cause problems in your body over time. Other metals like arsenic and chloride also show up in some county wells and can pose health risks at elevated levels.

Wells in this county are soft, so you won't deal with crusty scale buildup on pipes and fixtures. The main quality-of-life issue is iron, which can stain laundry, dishes, and plumbing fixtures with reddish or brownish marks that are hard to remove. You might also notice a metallic taste or smell in your water.

We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower iron levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you are dealing with so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400, and iron filters or water softeners can help reduce these problems.