Groundwater in Mercer County contains iron, sulfate, arsenic, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are very serious and require immediate attention.
The rock layers beneath Mercer County naturally contain iron, manganese, and arsenic locked inside. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the rock over time, these metals dissolve and accumulate in your water. Sulfate builds up the same way as water sits in contact with minerals baked into the stone.
Groundwater in this county is extremely hard and high in iron, driven by calcium, magnesium, and iron that concentrate as water passes through the bedrock. The slow movement of water through the rock layers allows these minerals to dissolve and accumulate. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Arsenic, iron, and manganese in wells across Mercer County exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause serious health problems. Iron and manganese at these levels can harm children's brain development and affect nervous system health. These metals pose real risks to your family's health.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which means you will see thick white crusty buildup on your faucets and showerheads. Iron causes orange and rust-colored stains in sinks, toilets, and laundry. The high sulfate levels may give your water a bitter or salty taste. Over time, this extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well as soon as possible. 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. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and is recommended since multiple contaminants exceed standards. Treatment options include a water softener combined with an arsenic-removal system.
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 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 41 | 100% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 39 | 51% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 37 | 38% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | 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 ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 33 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 38 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 39 | — | Moderate | 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.
Loading recent water news…