Manganese, arsenic, and chloride are present in Taylor County groundwater. Manganese levels are elevated enough to exceed the EPA health standard, while arsenic and chloride are detected at lower levels.
These contaminants come from the crystalline rock beneath the county. As water flows through cracks and spaces in this hard rock, it dissolves manganese naturally present in the minerals. Chloride enters from soil and surface sources and accumulates in the groundwater over time.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low amounts of calcium and magnesium from the crystalline rock aquifer. The water contains moderate iron, which comes from minerals in the bedrock that dissolve slowly as water moves through the rock. Most wells in Taylor County show this soft, low-mineral character.
Manganese is the main health concern in wells across Taylor County. Exposure to elevated manganese over time can affect how your brain and nervous system work, especially in children. This is why the EPA sets health standards for manganese in drinking water.
The good news is that Taylor County wells are naturally soft, so you won't deal with the scaling and staining problems that hard water causes. Your water heater and dishwasher should not suffer damage from mineral buildup. You likely won't see rust stains or crusty buildup on your fixtures the way people with hard water do.
We recommend testing your well to find out what you're actually drinking. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than other wells in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs around $200-400 and is the only way to know what's in your water so you can treat it properly if needed. Depending on results, options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can help remove contaminants.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Iron | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 18 | — | Moderate | 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.
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