Groundwater in Miami County contains iron, manganese, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious and require testing and treatment.
The bedrock beneath Miami County naturally contains iron and manganese locked in the stone itself. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fractures in these rocks, it dissolves these metals over time. Arsenic is also trapped in the same mineral layers. The fractured nature of this aquifer means water can sit in contact with these minerals for extended periods, allowing them to accumulate.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium driving that character. The same rock layers that release iron and manganese also contribute minerals that make the water hard. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Miami County.
Arsenic, lead, manganese, chloride, and iron have been found in Miami County wells at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer, heart disease, and nerve damage. Lead damages the brain and kidneys, especially in children and pregnant women. Manganese can harm brain development and cause neurological problems at high levels. Chloride itself is not toxic, but high levels indicate saltwater contamination that may affect people on sodium-restricted diets.
Wells in this county have extremely hard water, which leaves thick white crusty buildup on faucets and fixtures. Iron at high levels causes orange and rust-colored stains in sinks, toilets, and laundry. The extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since 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 panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include water softeners combined with iron filters and point-of-entry systems for multiple contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 204 | 90% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 202 | 31% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 138 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 141 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 203 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 141 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 116 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 118 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 142 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 202 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 201 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 163 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | 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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