Groundwater in Geauga County contains iron, manganese, and arsenic. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should treat this as a concern requiring attention.
These metals dissolve naturally from the mixed rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese come directly from the rocks themselves as water sits in contact with them over time. Arsenic also occurs naturally in certain rock types in this area. Chloride enters from road salt applied during winter, and sulfate releases from minerals buried in the bedrock.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The hardness combines with high iron levels to create water with significant mineral character. Iron at these concentrations and the extreme hardness are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese exceed EPA health standards in wells throughout Geauga County. Arsenic and lead are especially dangerous because they harm brain development in children and can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Manganese at elevated levels can affect how the nervous system develops and functions. Chloride and fluoride at high levels also pose health concerns for families drinking from wells in this area.
Wells in this county have extremely hard water, which will leave thick white or tan scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers--shortening the lifespan of these appliances. Iron causes orange or reddish-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or slightly bitter. High sodium levels can also affect the taste of your water.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your water may contain 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 treated properly. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like whole-house reverse osmosis systems or water softeners paired with iron filters 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 218 | 51% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 213 | 47% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 103 | 27% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 224 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 96 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 157 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 188 | 1% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 64 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 57 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 226 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 202 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 215 | — | 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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