Groundwater in Henry County contains sulfate, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require action.
Sulfate, iron, and lead come from the bedrock beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through the rock layers, these metals and minerals dissolve into the water. Sulfate also comes from minerals naturally present in the stone.
Groundwater in Henry County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below, and also contains very high sulfate and moderate iron. The slow movement of water through limestone and other rock layers dissolves these minerals over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county.
Iron, lead, and sulfate exceed EPA health standards in wells across Henry County. Iron at elevated levels can cause problems with how your body uses oxygen over time. Lead is especially harmful to children and can affect brain development and learning. Sulfate at high levels may cause digestive issues, particularly in infants and people with certain health conditions.
Wells in this county produce extremely hard water, which means white crusty buildup will form on pipes, faucets, and inside water heaters and dishwashers. Iron staining shows up as orange or rust-colored marks on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The sulfate in county well water can create a bitter or unpleasant taste. Over time, this extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and yours 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 standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Water softeners combined with iron filters or reverse osmosis systems 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 25 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 19 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 14 | — | 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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