Well Water in Jackson County: What to Test and Why

Arsenic and lead are the contaminants present in Jackson County groundwater that well owners should know about. Both exceed EPA health standards in some wells, which means they warrant testing and attention.

These metals come from the crystalline rock underneath the county--granite, metamorphic stone, and similar hard rock that naturally contains arsenic and lead. As water moves through cracks and spaces in this rock over time, it picks up these metals and carries them into wells.

Groundwater in Jackson County is soft and low in iron, which means it has very little mineral content overall. The hard crystalline rock here does not release calcium, magnesium, or iron the way softer rock layers do in neighboring counties. Most wells in this county show this same soft, clean mineral profile.

Wells in Jackson County have tested positive for arsenic and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and nerves over time and increase cancer risk. Lead harms children's brain development and learning, and can affect blood pressure and kidney function in adults. Both chemicals are colorless and odorless, so you cannot tell they are present just by looking at or tasting your water.

The good news is that mineral levels in county wells are generally very low. You should not experience problems like staining, scale buildup, or metallic tastes from minerals. Your water heater and appliances should not suffer damage from hard water in this area.

We recommend testing your well for arsenic and lead, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and will give you a complete picture. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can remove these contaminants if testing shows they are present in your well.