Groundwater in Clermont County contains manganese, PFOS, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride, iron, and nitrite also exceed safe drinking water limits in this county.
These contaminants come from two sources. Manganese and iron dissolve naturally from the mixed rock layers underground where water sits in low-oxygen conditions. PFOS and PFOA are synthetic chemicals that have contaminated groundwater, likely from industrial or firefighting activities in the region. Nitrite points to bacterial breakdown, often linked to fertilizer or septic system influence.
Groundwater in Clermont County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The same rock that produces hardness also releases iron and manganese into the water. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Clermont County commonly contain chloride, iron, manganese, nitrite, PFOA, and PFOS at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Nitrite interferes with how your blood carries oxygen and poses serious risks to infants and people with certain health conditions. Manganese can harm brain development in children and affect nervous system function in adults. Chloride, PFOA, and PFOS are all health concerns with long-term exposure risks including kidney damage, thyroid problems, and increased disease risk.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which means white crusty scale builds up on pipes, faucets, and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers--hard water this severe can shorten their lifespan. Iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The moderate sodium levels add to a salty taste that many people notice in their 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 analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems combined with water softeners can address both health and quality-of-life 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 34 | 91% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 30% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 35 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 30 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 34 | — | Moderate | 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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