Well Water in Lawrence County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lawrence County contains manganese, iron, radon, and sulfate that well owners should be aware of. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, as do radon, PFOA, and sulfate, making these contaminants a concern that warrants testing and possible treatment.

These contaminants come from the rock itself. The county sits on Mississippian-age rock that contains iron and manganese minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and tiny spaces in this rock, water dissolves these metals out of the stone. Sulfate also comes from minerals naturally present in the rock. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps from the rock into groundwater.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below, along with high iron. The slow movement of water through the Mississippian rock gives these minerals time to dissolve and accumulate in the water. These characteristics show up in wells throughout the county.

Wells in Lawrence County commonly contain iron, manganese, PFOA, radon, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect blood oxygen and brain development in children. PFOA is a persistent chemical that accumulates in the body over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over many years. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems.

The very hard water in county wells leaves thick white scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. Iron causes rust-colored or orange-brown stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or have a slight sulfur odor. Extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well right away 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 two hundred to four hundred dollars. Iron removal systems and water softeners can address the mineral concerns once testing shows what you are dealing with.