Groundwater in Champaign County contains radon, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require immediate attention from well owners.
Radon comes from natural radioactive material in the bedrock beneath the county. Iron and lead dissolve out of the rock and mineral deposits as groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the stone. These contaminants are not pollution from surface sources--they are part of the geology itself.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite bedrock. The same rock that produces radon also releases iron as water sits in contact with it over time. These hard-water and mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Champaign County commonly contain iron, lead, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk over time. Lead can harm brain development in children and damage kidneys and the nervous system in adults. Iron itself poses health concerns at elevated concentrations and can affect your body's ability to process oxygen properly.
The very hard water in this county will leave thick white crusty buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Water heaters and dishwashers can wear out faster because of the extreme hardness. You may also notice a metallic taste in your water.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different, and your water 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. Since multiple contaminants exceed standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include point-of-entry aeration systems for radon removal combined with water softeners and filtration.
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 | 173 | 41% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 158 | 35% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 56 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 14 | 7% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Lead | 164 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 147 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 1547 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 187 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 106 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 482 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 158 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 4* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 4* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1457 | — | High | 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.
* 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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