Well Water in Fayette County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Fayette County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making this a serious concern for well owners.

These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese occur naturally as groundwater sits in contact with the Mississippian-age rock that makes up the aquifer. Radon seeps out of uranium trapped in the stone. Sulfate and chloride accumulate as water moves slowly through mineral-bearing layers deep underground.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and notably high in iron. Iron concentrates in this water because the local bedrock naturally releases it as groundwater passes through over time. These characteristics are common across wells throughout Fayette County.

Arsenic, radon, chloride, and sulfate exceed EPA health standards in wells across Fayette County. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer, heart disease, and nerve damage. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over many years. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can harm people with certain health conditions and affect kidney function.

Wells in this county have very high iron, which causes reddish-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are hard to remove. The water is moderately hard, so you will see white crusty scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers--this extreme buildup can shorten how long these appliances last. The sulfate gives the water a bitter or unpleasant taste and smell.

We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab. 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 you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and radon panel typically costs $200-400 and will tell you exactly what you are dealing with. Treatment options like aeration systems combined with iron filters or water softeners can help address these concerns.