Groundwater in Falls County contains iron, nitrate, manganese, arsenic, and fluoride. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a serious concern for well owners in this area.
The rock beneath Falls County naturally contains iron and manganese, which dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the ground. Nitrate comes from fertilizer and septic systems on the land above. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the local rock layers and release into water over time.
Groundwater in this county is noticeably high in iron and manganese, the main minerals that give the water its character. These metals come from the rock itself and are released as water passes through the ground layers below. Most wells in Falls County show these mineral levels to some degree.
Wells in Falls County commonly contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause dental and skeletal problems. Manganese affects the nervous system and brain development. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen.
Iron and manganese in county well water cause orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. These minerals leave scale buildup inside pipes and can make water taste metallic or unpleasant. High iron levels shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by causing corrosion and deposits.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel, since multiple contaminants are found in county wells and every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than average. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals test runs between $200 and $400. Treatments like reverse osmosis, ion exchange softeners, or oxidation filters can address these concerns depending on your results.
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 | 122 | 31% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 81 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 30 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 172 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 5 | — | 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.
* 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.
Loading recent water news…