Well Water in Ashland County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Ashland County contains radon, manganese, and iron--all of which exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, chloride, sulfate, and additional iron and manganese also exceed standards, making this a serious multi-contaminant situation.

These contaminants come from the Mississippian rock layers beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in these rocks, it dissolves iron and manganese naturally present in the stone. Radon seeps from the rock itself. Chloride and sulfate accumulate where water sits in contact with minerals in the formation.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock below. The high iron content and moderate sulfate levels add to these mineral characteristics. Hard water and elevated iron are common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Ashland County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, radon, and manganese. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps from rock into groundwater and increases lung cancer risk when you breathe air released from water. Manganese can harm brain development and nerve function, especially in children and older adults.

County wells also contain iron and very hard water that create everyday problems. Iron leaves orange and brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are hard to remove. The extremely hard water leaves thick white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste from the iron and minerals.

We recommend testing your well because 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 is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and will give you a clear picture. A water softener combined with an iron filter or activated carbon system can address multiple concerns at once.