Manganese, iron, lead, sulfate, arsenic, and PFOA are all present in Murray County groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are a real concern and well owners need to test their water and take action if levels are high.
The rock beneath Murray County contains minerals that naturally release iron and manganese into groundwater as water moves through it. Sulfate and arsenic also come from the natural rock below. Lead and PFOA come from human sources--old pipes, industrial use, or past pesticide applications in the soil above. The mix of natural and human contamination is why testing is so important for every well.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high sulfate levels and elevated iron and manganese from the rock itself. These minerals dissolve into water as it passes through the underground layers, which is common throughout the region. Most wells in Murray County show these hard-water characteristics.
Wells in Murray County have been found with levels of sulfate, iron, manganese, arsenic, lead, and PFOA and PFOS (industrial chemicals) that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. PFOA and PFOS are linked to liver problems, thyroid disease, and immune system effects. Manganese exposure can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children.
The very hard water in this county's wells causes stubborn white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron staining leaves orange or brown marks on sinks, toilets, and laundry. High sulfate can give water a bitter or salty taste. The extreme hardness also wears out water heaters and dishwashers faster than normal.
We recommend a comprehensive water test right away, since testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A full metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, or ion exchange systems can address these concerns once you know exactly what you're dealing with.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 42 | 86% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 47 | 72% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 44 | 70% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 11 | 36% | Low | High | |
| Lead | 11 | 36% | Low | High | |
| PFOS | 14 | 36% | Low | High | |
| PFHxS | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 16 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 33 | 15% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 64 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 41 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 14 | — | 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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