Groundwater in Clermont County contains manganese, iron, and PFOS. Iron and manganese exceed federal health standards, which is a serious concern that requires attention.
These contaminants come from different sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the mixed rock layers underground as groundwater sits in low-oxygen conditions. PFOS is a synthetic chemical that accumulates in groundwater from industrial and commercial uses, often persisting in the environment for years.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the bedrock below. The same rock layers that create hardness also release iron and manganese into the water. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Clermont County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, PFOA, and PFOS. Iron and manganese are metals that dissolve from rock underground. Manganese can affect brain development in children and cause nervous system problems with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are synthetic chemicals that build up in your body over time and can harm your immune system and liver. These four contaminants together mean your well needs testing and likely needs treatment.
The water in this county is very hard, which leaves thick white scale buildup on pipes, faucets, and showerheads. Iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The hardness and mineral content can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in the water as well.
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 well so it can be properly treated. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended and typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems combined with a water softener 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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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