Groundwater in Gallia County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners.
The rock beneath Gallia County is coal-bearing shale and siltstone that holds water in cracks and fractures. As groundwater moves slowly through these rocks, iron and manganese dissolve from minerals in the stone. Sulfate and chloride are released when water contacts iron sulfide minerals. PFOA may come from past industrial or commercial activity in the area.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated iron and sulfate that drive its mineral character. The slow movement of water through shale and siltstone allows these minerals to concentrate over time. Hard water with elevated iron is common across wells in Gallia County.
Wells in Gallia County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, PFOA, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can increase the risk of cancer and damage the nervous system over time. Manganese at elevated levels can affect brain development and function. Chloride and sulfate at high levels can cause digestive problems. Iron and other metals in drinking water can also pose health concerns with long-term exposure.
The very hard water in this county leaves thick white scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. Iron causes orange-brown or rust-colored stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or salty. Hard water this severe can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
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. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-$400. Treatment options like whole-house filtration systems, water softeners, and arsenic removal systems can address these issues.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 100% | 0% · 0% · 100% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Manganese | 36 | 94% | 6% · 3% · 92% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 59 | 60% | 25% · 15% · 59% | Moderate | High |
| Arsenic | 5 | 50% | 60% · 0% · 40% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Sulfate | 73 | 32% | 56% · 12% · 32% | Moderate | High |
| Chloride | 70 | 16% | 76% · 9% · 16% | Moderate | High |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 23 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 3 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 47 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 18 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Hardness | 51 | — | — | Moderate | 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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