Groundwater in Monroe County contains manganese, iron, nitrate, nitrite, and PFOA. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the deep rock layers beneath the county as water moves slowly through them over long periods. Nitrate and nitrite enter from agricultural land use and fertilizer applied above ground, then seep down into the groundwater system.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone rock below. As water moves through these rock layers over time, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into wells. Very hard water is common across Monroe County wells.
Wells in Monroe County commonly show iron, manganese, nitrate, and nitrite at levels exceeding EPA health standards, along with PFOA. Iron and manganese can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Nitrate and nitrite harm oxygen transport in blood. PFOA is a human-made chemical linked to health concerns with long-term exposure.
County wells are very hard, which means you'll see white or chalky scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and appliances. The elevated iron causes rusty-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well, since every well is different and yours 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 metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Iron filters and water softeners can address several of 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 22 | 36% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 23 | 30% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 23 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrite | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 41 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 27 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | 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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