Well owners in White County should be aware of three contaminants in the groundwater: arsenic, manganese, and nitrate. These three contaminants are found at levels that exceed EPA health standards, so they need attention.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock below and from human activity on the land. The crystalline bedrock that underlies White County naturally contains arsenic and manganese in small amounts, and weathering of that rock releases them into groundwater over time. Nitrate usually comes from fertilizer use, septic systems, or animal waste that seeps down into the water table. All three can move through the fractured rock that feeds private wells in this region.
Groundwater in White County is soft and low in iron and other minerals, so the water itself is not hard or rusty. The crystalline bedrock here does not contain the limestone or mineral-rich layers that would make water hard or metallic. These soft-water characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in White County commonly contain arsenic, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and cause problems with the skin, heart, and nervous system. Manganese at high levels can affect the brain and cause issues with learning and movement, especially in children. Nitrate is dangerous for babies and can prevent their blood from carrying oxygen properly.
The good news is that White County wells are generally soft and low in minerals that cause staining or scale buildup. You probably won't see orange stains from iron or crusty buildup on your fixtures. The water should taste and smell normal in most homes here.
We recommend testing your well for arsenic, manganese, and nitrate because every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals runs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Once you know what you're dealing with, options like reverse osmosis filters or specialized removal systems can treat these contaminants so your water is clean for your family.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 5 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 32 | — | Moderate | 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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