Groundwater in Caroline County contains manganese, iron, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners need to address.
The underground rocks and soil in this area naturally contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater over time. Radon comes from the decay of radioactive elements in the rock layers below. These are natural sources, not caused by pollution or land use, which is why they show up across the county.
Groundwater in Caroline County is soft but contains elevated iron that comes from the iron-bearing sand and clay layers in the underground formation. Water moves slowly through these fine-grained materials, picking up iron and manganese as it goes. Iron is a widespread issue in wells throughout this county.
Wells in Caroline County commonly have iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and affect your organs. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater and can increase your risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in. These contaminants pose real health concerns for you and your family.
The iron in county wells causes orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. It can give water a metallic taste. While Caroline County wells are generally soft, the iron present still causes visible staining that is hard to clean up.
We recommend getting your well water tested with a comprehensive panel that covers metals and radon, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this area. Testing costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Your well may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Iron and radon can be removed with the right filters and ventilation systems.
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 | 29 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 31 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 423 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 435 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Chloride | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 37 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 465 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 28 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 37 | — | 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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