Groundwater in Clinton County contains arsenic, iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that warrant testing and treatment.
The limestone bedrock beneath Clinton County naturally releases iron and manganese as water moves through it over time. Radon enters groundwater from radioactive minerals in the rock. Arsenic also dissolves from the carbonate rock as water passes through cracks and spaces in the stone.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the limestone, along with moderate levels of iron. Water slowly picks up these minerals as it travels through the carbonate rock underground. Hard water with elevated iron is common across wells throughout Clinton County.
Wells in Clinton County contain arsenic, radon, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is toxic and can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters the lungs and raises the risk of lung cancer. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect organ function and development in children.
The hard water common in Clinton County wells leaves rust-colored or brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in the water. Scale builds up inside pipes and on appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan and reducing their efficiency.
Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than what is typical 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 costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can address multiple concerns at once.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 81 | 47% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 23 | 43% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 81 | 36% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 33 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 83 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 84 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 84 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 83 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 5* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 54 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 84 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 84 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Fecal Coliform | 5* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 5* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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