Groundwater in Lafayette County contains iron, manganese, sulfate, and nitrate. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, while sulfate and nitrate also reach levels that demand attention.
These contaminants come from the deep rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally as water moves slowly through the limestone and sandstone. Nitrate seeps down from the surface, entering groundwater through soil from fertilizers and animal waste. Sulfate also dissolves from minerals in the rock as water filters downward over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and carbonate rock below. As water percolates through these deep layers, it picks up these minerals and holds them in solution. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Lafayette County commonly have iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect how your body absorbs certain nutrients over time. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and pregnant people, as it can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues in some people.
The water in this county is very hard, which means scale buildup will form on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. This hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice rusty orange or brown staining on fixtures and laundry from iron in the water. Soap and shampoo will not work as well as they should.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. 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 it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400, and treatment options like iron removal systems and water softeners 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 100 | 35% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 93 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 100 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 50 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Chloride | 80 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 101 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 96 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 34 | — | 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.
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