Groundwater in Preble County contains iron, arsenic, radon, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that warrant immediate attention from well owners.
The rock formations beneath Preble County naturally contain iron, manganese, and arsenic locked inside. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the bedrock, these minerals dissolve into the water. Radon forms from radioactive elements within the stone itself. Chloride also washes into groundwater from both the rock and land activities in the area.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite bedrock below. The water also carries very high iron that concentrates as it moves through the fractured rock layers. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Preble County.
Wells in Preble County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, iron, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause serious health problems including cancer. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from the rock below and increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Iron at very high levels can affect how your body uses oxygen.
Water this hard in Preble County leaves thick white crusty buildup on faucets and shower heads. The high iron stains sinks, bathtubs, and laundry orange or rust-colored. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste.
We recommend testing your well right away because every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. 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 to $400. Treatment options include radon aeration systems combined with water softeners and arsenic removal filters.
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 | 33 | 75% | 24% · 3% · 73% | Moderate | High |
| Arsenic | 43 | 55% | 28% · 19% · 54% | Moderate | High |
| Radon | 5 | 20% | 40% · 40% · 20% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Chloride | 76 | 13% | 76% · 10% · 13% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Uranium | 19 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sulfate | 42 | 0% | 95% · 5% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 28 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Lead | 20 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 7 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 9 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 7 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 31 | — | — | 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.
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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