Groundwater in Jackson County contains radon, manganese, chloride, arsenic, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant attention.
The coastal lowlands geology here traps these contaminants in groundwater. Radon seeps from radioactive minerals in the rock and soil. Manganese, iron, and arsenic occur naturally in these sediment layers and dissolve into water over time. Chloride builds up from saltwater that moves inland in this coastal area, mixing with fresh groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium, and also carries high sodium. These minerals concentrate because the coastal sediments and rock layers release them slowly as water passes through. This combination of hardness and sodium is common across wells in Jackson County.
Wells in Jackson County commonly have arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and raises the risk of cancer and organ damage. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs and increases cancer risk. Manganese can affect your brain and nervous system, especially in children. High chloride itself is not directly toxic, but it often occurs alongside other contaminants of concern.
The very hard water in county wells causes white crusty buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap less effective and leaves spots on dishes and glassware. Your water heater and dishwasher will wear out faster because of the mineral scale. High sodium levels can add a salty taste to the water that some families notice right away.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, ion exchange softeners, or radon removal systems can address different contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 123 | 23% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 81 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 183 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 103 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 363 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 103 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 70 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 67 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 70 | — | Moderate | 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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