Groundwater in Worth County contains nitrate, manganese, radon, and iron at levels that exceed health standards set by the EPA. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers a health concern for your well water.
Nitrate comes from fertilizer and septic systems in the soil above your water. Manganese and iron occur naturally in the rocks below Worth County and dissolve into groundwater as water moves through them. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in the rock and soil and enters groundwater from below.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the rocks that hold your water. These minerals are released as water passes through the stone and soil layers underground. Most wells in Worth County show this moderate hardness.
Wells in Worth County have been found to exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can cause health problems over time, especially for children and people with certain illnesses. Nitrate is a serious concern for infants and pregnant women because it can interfere with how the body carries oxygen. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in lungs and increases cancer risk when you breathe it in over many years.
The moderate hardness in county wells can leave stubborn stains on sinks, tubs, and clothing that are hard to remove. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water, and mineral buildup can form scale inside pipes and water heaters, shortening their lifespan. Over time, these mineral deposits can make dishwashers and other appliances wear out faster.
We recommend getting your well tested with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you are actually drinking so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive test that checks for metals, minerals, and contaminants typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like water softeners, iron filters, and radon removal systems can address multiple problems at once.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 37 | 24% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 32 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Iron | 32 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 42 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 42 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 53 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 51 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 41 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 42 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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