Lead, arsenic, and chloride are present in Wayne County's groundwater. Lead exceeds EPA health standards here, while arsenic and chloride are detected at lower levels that warrant attention.
Lead enters shallow groundwater through corrosion of old plumbing and from naturally occurring deposits in the sandy soil layers that make up the surficial aquifer. Arsenic and chloride also occur naturally in these sandy and loose materials, where they dissolve into water as it moves through the ground.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from minerals in the sand and sediment. Moderate iron is also present. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout Wayne County and the surrounding region, where the shallow sandy aquifer naturally releases these elements into the water.
Lead has been found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Wayne County. Exposure to lead over time can harm your brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Children are especially vulnerable to lead's effects on learning and development. Lead enters groundwater from natural deposits in soil and rock, and also from corroded pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Wells in this county tend to have hard water, which means mineral buildup on your fixtures and appliances. You may see white scale on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Hard water can reduce how well soap works for cleaning and washing. Very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances that use hot water.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually present in your specific system. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know what treatment your water truly needs. Depending on your results, treatment options like water softeners for hardness or point-of-use filters for lead removal can help.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 16 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 20 | — | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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