Groundwater in Tuscarawas County contains fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough to require attention from well owners.
The rock beneath Tuscarawas County is composed of shale and coal-bearing layers that naturally contain iron, manganese, and sulfate minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in this rock over long periods, these metals and minerals dissolve into the water. Sulfate in particular reaches very high levels because sulfide minerals in the shale break down as water passes through. Past coal mining in the region may have accelerated the release of some of these elements.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium along with iron and sulfate. The shale and coal layers release these minerals as water sits in contact with the rock for extended periods. Hard water with elevated iron and sulfate is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate all exceed EPA health standards in wells across Tuscarawas County. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage children's teeth and bones. Lead harms brain development in children and damages the nervous system in adults. Manganese exposure over time can affect the nervous system and cause learning problems. Iron itself does not have a health standard, but sulfate at high levels can cause digestive issues and diarrhea.
Wells in this county are extremely hard, and the water contains very high sulfate. You will see white crusty scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange or brown. The high sulfate can give the water a bitter or salty taste. Extremely hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. 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 water softeners paired with iron and lead removal systems can address these problems.
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 | 248 | 93% | High | High | |
| Iron | 256 | 63% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 141 | 59% | High | High | |
| Fluoride | 195 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 253 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 240 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 258 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 168 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 144 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 199 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 239 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 259 | — | 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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