Well Water in Polk County: What to Test and Why

Polk County groundwater contains iron, radon, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and radon are the most widespread concerns, with iron reaching high concentrations and radon also detected at problematic levels.

The mixed rock composition underlying Polk County naturally releases these contaminants into groundwater. Iron dissolves from minerals in the rock as water seeps downward and sits in contact with the stone over time. Radon forms from the slow natural breakdown of radioactive elements deep in the bedrock. Lead can enter from older plumbing or from naturally occurring sources in certain rock layers.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by elevated iron that gives the water its distinctive character. The rock types here contain iron minerals that dissolve readily when water passes through them. Elevated iron is common across many wells throughout Polk County, making it a shared feature of the local groundwater.

Wells in Polk County commonly contain lead, radon, chloride, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Lead can harm brain development in children and damage the kidneys and nervous system in adults. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect people with certain health conditions.

County well water is moderately hard, which means you may notice white or chalky buildup on faucets and fixtures. Iron at high levels can stain laundry, sinks, and toilet bowls with reddish-brown marks and create a metallic taste in drinking water. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and radon panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like radon aeration systems and iron filters can address multiple concerns at once.