Groundwater in Madison County contains radon, chloride, and sulfate at levels that exceed federal health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations high enough that well owners should be aware of them and consider testing.
Radon seeps naturally from radioactive minerals in the sandstone rock beneath this county. Chloride and sulfate enter groundwater from road salt, agricultural practices, and natural dissolution of minerals as water moves through the sandstone layers over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the sandstone. The sandstone aquifer releases these minerals as water flows through it, and this hardness is common across wells throughout Madison County.
Wells in Madison County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, radon, and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and can increase lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive problems in some people, especially children and infants.
The very hard water in this county's wells can create noticeable problems in daily life. You may see white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads, and hard water can reduce the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some people notice a chalky or metallic taste in the water. Laundry may feel stiff, and soap doesn't work as well as it should.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what contaminants are present. Every well is different, and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment so you can decide on the right solution for your household. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options like radon aeration systems or water softeners can address these concerns.
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 | 18 | 22% | 56% · 22% · 22% | Moderate | High ⓘ |
| Sulfate | 60 | 18% | 65% · 17% · 18% | Moderate | High |
| Chloride | 50 | 4% | 90% · 6% · 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
| Iron | 9 | 0% | 78% · 22% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | 50% · 50% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Uranium | 14 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 16 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Sodium | 67 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 5 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 9 | — | — | Low | 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.
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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