Groundwater in Polk County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, radon, and fluorine compounds. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which is concerning and means well owners should test their water.
The rock beneath Polk County naturally contains these metals and radioactive elements. As groundwater flows through the rock layers, it dissolves iron and manganese. Radon comes from uranium naturally present in the local geology. Arsenic and chloride also release from the rock and soil during slow geological weathering.
Groundwater in Polk County is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron and moderate sodium concentration. The local rock dissolves slowly as water passes through, releasing these minerals into the water. These characteristics show up in many wells across the county, though levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Polk County commonly contain arsenic, radon, chloride, iron, manganese, and PFOA and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and bones over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk when breathed in over many years. Manganese at elevated levels can affect your nervous system. Iron and chloride at high levels can also harm your health, and PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that accumulate in your body.
The moderately hard water in Polk County wells creates everyday quality-of-life issues. Iron causes reddish stains on laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. You may notice a metallic taste in your water. Hard water leaves scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. These mineral deposits are frustrating to clean and expensive to manage over time.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals, minerals, and radon panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like whole-house filters, water softeners, or activated carbon systems can address multiple concerns at once.
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 | 83 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 280 | 35% | High | High | |
| Radon | 6 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 40 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 83 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 251 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 78 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 60 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 40 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 40 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 40 | — | 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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