Groundwater in Kimble County contains radon, nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants warrant attention and testing, particularly radon and nitrate, though iron and manganese are present at moderate levels.
Radon seeps from uranium naturally present in the bedrock underlying this county. Nitrate enters from soil and possibly from septic systems or past agricultural activity in the area. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally as groundwater moves slowly through the rock layers.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and carbonate-rich rock below. As water filters down through these mineral-rich layers over time, it picks up hardness that accumulates in the aquifer. Very hard water is common across wells in this county.
Wells in Kimble County commonly contain iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the nervous system and organs over time with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and young children, as it interferes with how blood carries oxygen. Radon is a radioactive gas from natural sources underground that can increase lung cancer risk when breathed in over years.
The very hard water in county wells creates visible problems around the home. You will see white or rust-colored scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap and shampoo work poorly and can leave your laundry feeling stiff. Over time, extremely hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers because minerals clog the equipment.
Since every well in Kimble County is different, your well may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common here. We recommend getting your well tested to find out exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Depending on your results, water softeners and filtration systems can address hardness and remove metals.
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 ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 13 | 15% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 99 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 67 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 202 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | 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.
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