Groundwater in Houston County contains iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at moderate concentrations, making them noteworthy for well owners to monitor.
The rock layers beneath Houston County naturally contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as it moves through the ground. Sulfate also occurs naturally in these rock formations and accumulates in the water over time. This combination is common across the region's coastal uplands aquifer system.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in sodium and contains moderate amounts of iron and sulfate, which give the water its mineral character. The iron and manganese come from the naturally occurring minerals in the rock, while sodium and sulfate are leached from the soil and rock layers as water percolates downward. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Houston County.
Wells in Houston County commonly have iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can cause problems with your blood and organs if you drink water with too much of them over a long time. Sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive issues, especially in children and people with certain health conditions. Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water.
The high sodium content in county wells can make water taste salty and may not be good for people watching their salt intake. Iron and sulfate can leave brown or reddish stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might also notice a rotten egg smell from sulfate in the water. These problems are annoying but not immediately dangerous.
We recommend a comprehensive water test to see exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your water needs. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners, iron filters, and sulfate removal systems can help treat these issues.
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 | 179 | 28% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 107 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 102 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 227 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 102 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 22 | — | 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.
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