Groundwater in Summit County contains manganese, iron, chloride, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Several other contaminants including sulfate and PFOA are also present and require attention.
These metals and minerals dissolve naturally from the rock layers beneath this county. The other rock types here naturally release manganese and iron as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fractures. Chloride enters from road salt applied to highways and parking lots during winter, while sulfate comes from minerals in the rock itself breaking down over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the minerals in the surrounding rock. Iron levels are high, adding to the hardness and mineral content of the water. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Summit County.
Wells in Summit County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, PFOA, and sulfate. Manganese at elevated levels can harm brain development and nervous system function. Iron and chloride do not have federal health limits but contribute to other concerns. PFOA is a chemical linked to health problems with long-term exposure. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone health.
Wells in this county are extremely hard, which means thick white scale will build up on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Iron leaves orange and reddish-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. High sodium and sulfate levels can affect taste and may cause digestive issues in sensitive people.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple analytes exceed standards here. 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 panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like whole-house systems combining water softeners, iron filters, and carbon filtration can address multiple concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 31 | 93% | 3% · 6% · 90% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 62 | 61% | 29% · 11% · 60% | Moderate | High |
| Chloride | 84 | 40% | 49% · 11% · 40% | Moderate | High |
| Sulfate | 56 | 14% | 68% · 18% · 14% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fluoride | 20 | 5% | 90% · 5% · 5% | Moderate | Moderate |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 27 | 4% | 96% · 0% · 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 27 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 61 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 10 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 37 | — | — | 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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