Well Water in Logan County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Logan County contains radon, iron, and manganese that well owners should be aware of. Iron and manganese exceed EPA standards, and radon also exceeds health guidelines, making these serious concerns.

These metals come from the fractured rock layer beneath the county. As groundwater slowly moves through cracks in the rock, it dissolves iron and manganese naturally present in the stone. Radon, a radioactive gas, forms within the same rock and seeps into water as it flows through those fractures.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite below. The same rock that creates hardness also releases iron and manganese as water sits in contact with it over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells in Logan County.

Wells in Logan County contain iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can harm brain development in children and affect nervous system function over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure through drinking water and inhalation.

The water in this county is extremely hard, which means you will see thick white crusty buildup on faucets, showerheads, and fixtures. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange-brown. The extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in your water.

We recommend testing your well through a certified lab 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 well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive minerals and metals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like water softeners paired with iron filters and radon aeration systems can address these concerns.