Groundwater in Columbia County contains iron, arsenic, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate. Arsenic, iron, PFOA, and PFOS exceed EPA health standards, making testing essential for well owners.
These contaminants come from the Mississippian rock aquifer beneath the county. Iron dissolves naturally from minerals in the bedrock as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fractures. Arsenic and other contaminants also enter from the rock itself as water sits in contact with these mineral layers for long periods.
Groundwater in this county is soft but notably high in iron. Iron concentrations are very elevated in this area's groundwater because the bedrock contains iron-bearing minerals that dissolve as water passes through. Iron is common across wells in Columbia County.
Wells in Columbia County commonly contain arsenic, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a concern because long-term exposure increases cancer risk. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can affect your immune system, liver, and thyroid function. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues in some people, especially infants and those with certain health conditions.
Iron in county wells is very high and will cause noticeable staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may see orange or brown discoloration on white fabrics and fixtures. The water in this county is relatively soft, so you won't deal with heavy scale buildup on pipes like harder water areas experience.
We recommend testing your well water 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 typical in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like aeration combined with filtration or ion exchange can address iron, arsenic, and other 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 | 3 | 100% | 33% · 0% · 67% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 9 | 38% | 44% · 22% · 33% | Low | High ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 100 | 20% | 74% · 6% · 20% | High | High |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 101 | 15% | 72% · 13% · 15% | High | Moderate |
| Sulfate | 66 | 9% | 89% · 2% · 9% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Chloride | 64 | 0% | 98% · 2% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Lead | 24 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 12 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 95 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 21 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 57 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 95 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 18 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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