Groundwater in Lawrence County contains arsenic, iron, lead, manganese, PFOA, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require attention from well owners.
The rock beneath Lawrence County naturally contains metals like iron and manganese locked in the stone. As groundwater moves slowly through fractures in the bedrock, it dissolves these metals and other minerals over time. Radon gas forms naturally from uranium decay in the rock and seeps into groundwater. Some of these contaminants, like PFOA and lead, may also come from human sources on the land surface.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the bedrock. Iron at high levels also colors the water and adds to the mineral load. The slow movement of water through the tight rock layers gives minerals time to dissolve, and these characteristics show up across most wells in the county.
Wells in Lawrence County commonly contain arsenic, iron, lead, manganese, PFOA, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic can increase the risk of cancer and organ damage with long-term exposure. Lead harms brain development in children and can cause learning problems. Manganese at high levels can damage the developing brain. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. PFOA is a manufactured chemical linked to health problems including thyroid disease and high cholesterol.
Wells in this county are hard water wells with elevated iron. Iron causes orange-brown or rust-colored stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or have a sulfur odor. Hard water at these levels can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Scale buildup on pipes and fixtures is common.
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. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel. Treatment options like iron removal systems and water softeners can address multiple concerns at once.
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 | 55 | 100% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 57 | 53% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 53 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 48 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 30 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 16 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 57 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 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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