Groundwater in Lincoln County contains chloride and fluoride. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
These minerals enter groundwater naturally through the crystalline rock that makes up the county's aquifer. Rainwater seeps down through cracks in this hard rock, dissolving small amounts of minerals as it passes through. The rock itself is not prone to holding onto contaminants, which keeps levels manageable across most of the county.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low levels of hardness and only trace amounts of chloride and fluoride as the main mineral character. The crystalline rock underneath does not readily release calcium and magnesium the way limestone does, so water stays soft as it flows through. These characteristics are consistent across wells throughout Lincoln County.
Wells in Lincoln County show chloride and fluoride at levels worth watching, though no contaminants currently exceed EPA health standards in the county. Chloride can affect people with certain heart or kidney conditions, and high fluoride exposure during childhood can cause dental issues. Since wells across the county contain these minerals, your individual well deserves a close look to see where you stand.
The good news is that Lincoln County wells tend to be soft, which means you probably won't deal with crusty buildup on faucets or inside pipes. Hard water can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers, but soft water typically avoids that problem. You're less likely to see staining or scale in your home compared to people in harder-water areas.
We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what you're working with, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what actually flows from your tap so you can treat it properly if needed. A basic screening costs around fifty to one hundred dollars, while a comprehensive panel runs two hundred to four hundred dollars. If chloride or fluoride concerns you, a water treatment professional can help you understand your options.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
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