Well Water in Miami County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Miami County contains iron, radon, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require testing and treatment.

Iron, radon, and chloride come naturally from the fractured bedrock beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the rock, radon escapes from radioactive elements locked in the stone, and iron dissolves out of the minerals. Chloride also accumulates from road salt and natural mineral deposits.

Groundwater in Miami County is extremely hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock below. The county's fractured bedrock concentrates these minerals as water sits in contact with the stone over time. This hard-water character is widespread across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Miami County commonly have chloride, radon, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Iron at these concentrations poses health concerns over time.

The water in this county is extremely hard, which causes thick white crusty buildup on faucets and showerheads. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange or brown. The extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic or salty taste in the water.

We recommend testing your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. Given the multiple contaminants exceeding health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include radon aeration systems and water softeners combined with iron filters.