Groundwater in Jefferson County contains radon, iron, manganese, and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from different sources. Radon seeps naturally from radioactive rock deep underground. Iron and manganese dissolve from the bedrock as water moves slowly through it. PFOS is a human-made chemical that enters groundwater from industrial or military activities.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the limestone and other rock layers below. Iron is elevated in the water as well. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county.
Wells in Jefferson County commonly contain iron, manganese, PFOS, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the kidneys and nervous system with long-term exposure. PFOS is a human-made chemical linked to immune system and liver effects. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from natural decay in the rock; breathing radon that escapes from water into your home air poses a lung cancer risk.
Jefferson County has very hard water, which leaves white, crusty scale on fixtures and inside pipes and appliances. The high iron causes rust-colored staining on clothes, sinks, and shower walls. Hard water reduces how well soap works and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste or dry skin after showering.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards here. Every well is different, and your well may 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. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like iron removal systems, water softeners, and radon mitigation can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 2 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 107 | 54% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 100 | 36% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 38 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 106 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 96 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 106 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 111 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 38 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 115 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 54 | — | 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.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
Loading recent water news…