Groundwater in Lee County contains pfos, pfoa, manganese, chloride, iron, nitrate, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
Pfos and pfoa are human-made chemicals that come from industrial sites, landfills, and firefighting activities. Manganese, iron, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate come from the sand and clay layers that make up the county's aquifer system. These minerals dissolve naturally into groundwater as it moves through the rock, and nitrate can also enter from fertilizer use or septic systems in areas with sandy soil that allows quick water movement downward.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the sand and clay aquifer. The combination of iron, manganese, and sulfate gives the water its mineral character. Wells across the county show this pattern, though individual well results vary depending on depth and location.
Wells in Lee County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Nitrate and chloride can harm infants and people with certain health conditions. Iron and manganese at elevated levels may affect how your body processes oxygen and nutrient absorption over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can build up in your body and may increase health risks with long-term exposure.
The moderate hardness in county wells can leave scale buildup on fixtures and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. You might notice a slight chalky taste or white residue around faucets and showerheads. Iron can create staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry.
Your well could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants 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. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like iron filters and activated carbon systems can address multiple contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 90% | Low | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 80% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 57 | 37% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 57 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 58 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 58 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 38 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 58 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 58 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 54 | — | 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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