Groundwater in Rusk County contains radon, manganese, and iron. These metals and the radioactive gas are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and deserve your attention.
The rock beneath this county naturally releases these contaminants into the water. As groundwater moves slowly through the mixed rock layers underground, iron and manganese dissolve into the water. Radon seeps in from tiny amounts of radioactive material in the rock itself.
Groundwater in this county is hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium that give the water its solid mineral character. The mixed rock composition below adds these hardening minerals as water passes through. Hard water characteristics show up in a majority of wells across this county.
Radon, iron, and manganese are found at levels above EPA health standards in wells across Rusk County. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. Manganese can affect your brain and nervous system, especially in children. Iron itself is not a direct health threat, but at elevated levels it can damage organs.
Wells in this county have hard water, which means you may see orange or brown staining on fixtures and in your laundry. You might also notice a metallic taste or odor in your water. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers because mineral buildup clogs them up inside.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. Since multiple analytes exceed EPA standards in county wells, we recommend a comprehensive metals and radon panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Treatment options like aeration systems or activated carbon filters can address these concerns once you understand your specific situation.
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 | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 33 | 76% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 34 | 44% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 30 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 18 | — | 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…