Groundwater in Jefferson County contains radon, manganese, iron, lead, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should be aware and test their water.
The sandstone rock beneath this county naturally releases iron and manganese as water moves through it over time. Radon seeps from radioactive minerals embedded in the rock. Lead and sulfate can come from both natural mineral deposits and human activities like old pipes or road salt runoff.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by dissolved minerals including iron and calcium from the sandstone. As water filters down through the layers of sandstone, it picks up these elements slowly and steadily. Moderately hard water and elevated iron show up in many wells across the county, though individual wells vary.
Wells in Jefferson County commonly contain PFOA, chloride, lead, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Lead damages the brain and kidneys, especially in children and babies. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. PFOA is a chemical linked to health problems including high cholesterol and kidney disease. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with heart or kidney conditions.
The water in this county is moderately hard, which means you may notice some orange or brown staining on sinks and fixtures from iron. Hard water can leave scale buildup inside water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. You might also notice a metallic taste or slightly sulfurous odor in your water.
Testing is recommended because every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which runs $200 to $400. Treatment options like carbon filters for PFOA and radon ventilation systems can help address contamination.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 23 | 43% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 83 | 18% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 121 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 132 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 47 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 121 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 121 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 111 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 5* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 70 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 128 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 130 | — | High | Low | |
| Fecal Coliform | 5* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 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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