Groundwater in Henderson County contains manganese, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that warrant testing and treatment of private well water.
The rock beneath Henderson County naturally contains iron and manganese, which dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the soil and stone. Lead can enter from natural sources in the rock and also from older well components or pipes. This combination of natural mineral release and potential legacy sources makes these metals common in the county's wells.
Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron and notably high sodium. The underlying rock releases sodium naturally as water sits in contact with it over time, while iron comes from the iron-bearing minerals in the local stone. These characteristics show up across many wells in Henderson County.
Iron, lead, and manganese are found at levels that exceed EPA health standards in wells across Henderson County. Lead harms children's brains and nervous systems, even at low levels. Manganese can damage the brain and nervous system over time. Iron itself poses health concerns at elevated concentrations.
The iron in county well water causes orange or rust-colored staining on fixtures, clothes, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in your water. Since the water is relatively soft, you will not experience heavy scaling on pipes and appliances.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal systems and whole-house filters are common treatment options.
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 | 116 | 29% | High | High | |
| Iron | 263 | 24% | High | High | |
| Lead | 87 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 89 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 355 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 44 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 10 | — | 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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