Well Water in Hamilton County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Hamilton County contains radon, uranium, and arsenic. Radon and uranium exceed EPA health standards, making them important contaminants for well owners to monitor.

Radon and uranium come from natural radioactive minerals in the bedrock beneath this county. As groundwater slowly moves through cracks and spaces in these rocks, it picks up radon gas that forms from the decay of uranium already present in the stone. Arsenic also occurs naturally in some rock layers in this region.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron as the main mineral character. The iron comes from the breakdown of rocks in the aquifer as water passes through. Iron at moderate levels shows up in wells across Hamilton County, though individual wells vary in how much they contain.

Wells in Hamilton County commonly contain radon and uranium at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that can enter your lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer over time. Uranium is a radioactive metal that builds up in bones and can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure.

The good news is that Hamilton County's groundwater is soft, so you will not experience the stubborn staining, scale buildup, or shortened appliance lifespan that comes with hard water. The moderate iron found in some county wells may cause rust-colored staining on fixtures or laundry, though many wells have very low iron levels.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like radon mitigation systems and reverse osmosis filters can reduce these contaminants.