Iron, arsenic, and manganese are present in Meriwether County's groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. All three contaminants exceed EPA health standards in this county's water.
These metals come from the crystalline rock that forms the foundation beneath Meriwether County. As water moves through cracks and spaces in this hard rock over time, it dissolves iron, arsenic, and manganese naturally present in the stone and carries them into your well.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, which is the main mineral that shapes its character. The crystalline bedrock releases iron as water passes through it, and this is a common condition across wells throughout the county. Arsenic and manganese from this same rock add to the mineral load that well owners encounter.
Wells in Meriwether County can contain arsenic, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a serious concern because it can damage your organs and affect your health over time, especially with long-term exposure. Iron and manganese also pose health risks when present at elevated levels in drinking water.
Wells in this county are soft, so you will not face the heavy staining and scale buildup that hard water causes. However, the elevated iron in many county wells can create reddish stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You might notice an unpleasant metallic or bitter taste in the water, and iron can leave a rusty odor.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel so you know exactly what is in your water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to determine if treatment is needed to protect your family. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400, and treatment options include activated carbon filters and iron removal 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 5 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | 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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