Groundwater in Coffee County contains radon, arsenic, and chloride. Radon exceeds EPA health standards and is the main concern, while arsenic and chloride are present at levels below federal limits.
Radon comes from natural radioactive decay in the rock and soil beneath the county. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the shallow groundwater system here as water moves through sand and clay layers near the surface.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium that come from the rocks in the shallow aquifer system. As water sits in these layers, it picks up these minerals over time. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout Coffee County.
Radon is a radioactive gas that exceeds health standards in wells across this county. Radon enters groundwater underground and can pose serious health risks when you drink the water or when it releases into your home during showering and household use. Long-term exposure to radon in drinking water increases the risk of stomach cancer and other health problems.
Wells in this county are very hard, which means you will see white scale buildup on faucets, fixtures, and inside pipes. The hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice that soap doesn't lather well and laundry feels stiff after washing.
We recommend testing your well to find out if radon and other contaminants are present in your specific water. 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 costs between $200 and $400 and can identify radon, metals, and minerals all at once. Radon reduction systems and water softeners are available treatment options.
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 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 10 | — | 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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