Groundwater in Worth County contains nitrate, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron also exceeds the health standard, making these four contaminants a concern for well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from two sources. Nitrate enters the groundwater from fertilizer use on agricultural land and from septic systems. Manganese and iron occur naturally in the rock beneath Worth County and dissolve into the water as it moves through the ground. Radon comes from the natural radioactive decay of uranium in the rock itself.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock as water passes through it. The other rocks that make up the aquifer here naturally contain these minerals along with iron and manganese. Moderate hardness is widespread across wells in Worth County.
Wells in Worth County commonly contain iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that build up in your body over time and can damage your organs and nervous system. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and young children, interfering with how their blood carries oxygen. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.
The moderate hardness in county wells can create visible problems around your home. Iron causes rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Manganese leaves dark brown or black stains. Hard water also leaves scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters, which can shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your drinking water.
Since every well is different, your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Getting your well tested is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron filters, water softeners, and radon removal systems can address these concerns.
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 | |
| Hardness | 42 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 51 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 41 | — | 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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