Groundwater in Gallia County contains iron, manganese, and PFOA, with all three exceeding EPA health standards. Iron and manganese levels are concerning, and PFOA is a serious contaminant requiring immediate attention.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from minerals in the Pennsylvanian bedrock as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces. PFOA is a manufactured chemical that entered groundwater through industrial or commercial activities and persists in the environment because it does not break down easily.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the bedrock below. The moderate iron adds to the mineral load as water sits in contact with iron-rich layers. These characteristics are common across wells in Gallia County.
Wells in Gallia County commonly contain iron, lead, manganese, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead damages children's brain development and can harm kidney and nervous system function in people of all ages. Manganese at elevated levels can affect brain development and nervous system health. Iron and PFOA also pose health concerns with long-term exposure. These contaminants come from the natural rock and minerals in the groundwater.
The very hard water in county wells leaves thick white scale buildup on pipes and fixtures. Iron causes orange-brown or rust-colored stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. Hard water this severe can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You may also notice a metallic taste or staining on clothing and surfaces.
We recommend testing your well right away with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well 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. Iron removal systems and water softeners can help 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 28 | 75% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 35 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 21 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 36 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 3 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | 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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