Groundwater in Walker County contains radon, PFOS, manganese, arsenic, iron, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
The rocks and soil in this area naturally contain metals like manganese, arsenic, and iron that dissolve into groundwater over time. Radon seeps in from radioactive materials in the rock layers underground. PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial sites, airports, or firefighting activities on the land surface above.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderately elevated iron and high sodium from the rock layers below. The coastal uplands rocks here release these minerals as water moves through them over years and decades. Most wells in Walker County show these mineral patterns, though the exact levels vary from one well to another.
Wells in Walker County commonly have arsenic, iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and nerves over time. Iron and manganese at high levels can affect your brain and nervous system, especially in children. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that build up in your body and may weaken your immune system. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over years.
The moderate iron and hardness in county wells can leave orange or brown stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. Hard water makes soap less effective and leaves scale buildup on pipes and water heaters, shortening their lifespan. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. High sodium in the water adds salt that some people can taste.
We recommend testing your well to know exactly what you are dealing with. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel checking for metals, minerals, and chemicals runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can remove many of these 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 ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 46% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 81 | 43% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 117 | 16% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 15% | Low | High | |
| Arsenic | 70 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 110 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | 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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