Groundwater in Jasper County contains radon, arsenic, and chloride. Radon is the only contaminant at levels that exceed EPA health standards and is a concern that needs attention, while arsenic and chloride are present at low levels.
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the crystalline bedrock beneath the county. This rock is ancient and radioactive in small amounts, releasing radon gas that seeps into groundwater over time. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in trace amounts from the minerals in this same bedrock and are not driven by land use.
Groundwater in Jasper County is soft with low levels of iron, sodium, and sulfate. The crystalline rock here does not contain the minerals that dissolve easily into water like limestone does, so minerals stay low. Most wells across the county show these same soft-water characteristics with minimal mineral content.
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural rock and soil underground. Wells in Jasper County show radon at levels above EPA health standards. Breathing radon over many years increases the risk of lung cancer. This is the main health concern for county well water.
The good news is that Jasper County wells are soft and low in minerals. You won't see red or orange staining from iron, and your plumbing and appliances should stay clean inside. Your water should taste normal without salty or metallic flavors. Hard water problems that shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers are not typical here.
We recommend testing your well to see what radon levels are actually in your water. Every well is different, and yours could be higher or lower than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what you're dealing with so you can treat it properly. A basic radon test costs around $150 to $300, and radon can be removed with aeration or activated carbon systems.
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 ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | 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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