Well Water in Rutherford County: What to Test and Why

Manganese, radon, and lead are present in Rutherford County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. These three contaminants all exceed EPA health standards in this county, making them the top concern for private well users.

The crystalline rock that lies beneath this county naturally contains manganese and radioactive elements that break down into radon gas, both of which dissolve into groundwater as water moves through fractures in the rock. Lead enters wells from metal plumbing and brass fittings in well systems themselves, not from the rock below. These contaminants are common in counties across this region because they all share the same type of bedrock.

Groundwater in Rutherford County is soft with low iron and low sulfur, shaped by the crystalline rock beneath it that does not weather into the minerals that make water hard. The rock here releases very little calcium or magnesium, keeping the water naturally soft and free from mineral cloudiness. Most wells in this county show this same soft water character.

Wells in Rutherford County show three contaminants that exceed EPA health standards: lead, manganese, and radon. Lead can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in children, even at low levels. Manganese affects the brain and nervous system too, causing problems with movement and thinking if you drink it over a long time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rocks underground and increases cancer risk when you breathe it in or swallow it.

The good news is that wells in this county tend to have soft water with very low iron, sodium, and sulfate. You probably will not see orange staining, scale buildup in pipes, or salty taste. Your appliances should not wear out faster than normal from mineral buildup. Water quality for everyday use is good in this county.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for lead, manganese, radon, and other metals and minerals. Testing usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. A water filter for lead or a radon removal system can treat these concerns once you know what you are dealing with.