Well Water in Jefferson County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Jefferson County contains iron and manganese at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These metals are present at moderate concentrations and warrant attention from well owners.

Iron and manganese occur naturally in the sandy and clay layers that make up the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system beneath this county. As water moves slowly through these sediments, it dissolves these metals from the rock itself. This process is especially common in areas where the groundwater lacks oxygen, which allows iron and manganese to stay dissolved in the water.

Groundwater in this county is soft and notable mainly for moderate iron content. The sand and clay layers here naturally contain iron minerals that leach into the water as it flows underground. Most wells in this county show elevated iron, making it a widespread characteristic of the local water supply.

Wells in Jefferson County commonly have iron and manganese above EPA health standards. Iron can cause problems with your blood and organs if you drink too much of it over time. Manganese can affect your brain and nervous system, especially in children and babies. Testing your well is the best way to find out if these metals are in your water.

The iron in county well water creates orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste or smell in the water. These stains can be hard to clean and may build up over time on fixtures and in pipes.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in it. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what you are dealing with. Water softeners and iron filters can help treat these problems if testing shows they are present in your well.