Well Water in Clay County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Clay County contains manganese and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should be aware of these contaminants and consider testing their water.

These metals come from the crystalline rock below the ground in this area. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in the rock itself and dissolve into groundwater as water moves through cracks and spaces in the stone. Unlike neighboring counties with softer limestone, Clay County's harder crystalline rock releases these particular elements into the water supply.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with very low levels of iron, calcium, and other minerals that typically make water hard. The crystalline rock here does not contribute the minerals that create hardness the way limestone does elsewhere. Most wells in this county show this same soft water character.

Wells in Clay County have been found to contain arsenic and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can cause health problems over time with long-term exposure through drinking water. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system, especially in children and infants. Testing your well is the only way to know if your water has these contaminants.

The good news is that Clay County wells generally have low mineral content. You should not expect problems like staining, scale buildup, or changes in water taste or odor from minerals. Your water is naturally soft, which means your appliances will not experience the wear that hard water causes.

We recommend testing your well water for a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly if needed. Treatments like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove arsenic and manganese from drinking water.