Well Water in Walker County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Walker County contains PFOA, PFOS, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations and warrant attention from well owners.

PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that come from industrial activities, firefighting foam, and some consumer products that have entered the water cycle over decades. Iron and manganese occur naturally in the carbonate rock layers beneath Walker County and dissolve into groundwater as it moves through the stone.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and very high in iron, driven by calcium from the limestone bedrock and substantial iron from the rock layers below. As water percolates through limestone and deeper iron-bearing rock, these minerals dissolve and accumulate in the water supply. Elevated iron is widespread across wells in this region, while the PFOA and PFOS contamination is more localized to areas near industrial sites or historical sources.

Wells in Walker County have been found with iron, manganese, PFOA, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and affect your organs and nervous system. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that don't break down in the environment or your body and have been linked to serious health effects including cancer, liver damage, and immune system problems.

The high iron levels in county wells create staining on your sinks, toilets, and laundry that is hard to remove. Iron also gives water a metallic taste and can make it smell bad. Your water is moderately hard, which means soap doesn't work as well and you'll see scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. Hard water can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well in the county is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common. We recommend a comprehensive panel to check for metals, minerals, and PFOA/PFOS, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like iron filters or activated carbon can remove or reduce these contaminants once you know exactly what you're dealing with.