Groundwater in Hopkins County contains manganese, iron, fluoride, and lead that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough that well owners need to take action to protect their families.
The rock below Hopkins County naturally contains these metals and minerals. As water seeps down through the ground, it dissolves iron and manganese from the rock itself. Fluoride occurs naturally in the same way. Lead can come from the rock and also from old metal pipes and well components in some homes.
Groundwater in this county is high in iron and manganese, the metals that give the water its character. These metals leach into the water from the rock layers underground as part of the natural process of water moving through soil and stone. Most wells in Hopkins County show these elevated metal levels because of the rock composition in the area.
Wells in Hopkins County have been found to contain fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Lead can damage the brain and kidneys, especially in children and babies, and cause learning and behavior problems. Fluoride at high levels can weaken bones and cause dental damage. Manganese can affect the nervous system and cause memory problems and trouble moving.
Iron and manganese in county well water create orange or brown staining on clothes, dishes, and fixtures. These minerals leave rust-colored deposits that are hard to clean. They can also give water a metallic taste and musty smell that makes it unpleasant to drink and cook with.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals, since multiple contaminants are present in this county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your specific well so you can treat it correctly. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive metals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like water filters, reverse osmosis systems, or water softeners can address these concerns depending on what testing shows.
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 | 57 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 71 | 21% | Moderate | High | |
| Fluoride | 133 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 32 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 17 | — | Moderate | 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.
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