Groundwater in Carroll County contains manganese, radon, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant action.
The limestone and carbonate rock beneath Carroll County naturally contains iron and manganese minerals. As groundwater slowly moves through these rocks, water dissolves these metals and carries them into your well. Radon seeps into the groundwater from natural radioactive decay happening in the bedrock around you. None of these contaminants come from pollution or land use--they come directly from the rock itself.
Groundwater in Carroll County is soft, with low calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock below. The same limestone that produces soft water also releases the iron and manganese that exceed health standards. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Carroll County commonly have iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children and pregnant women. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over time. Your well's water may contain these contaminants in concentrations that pose real health concerns.
The mineral content in county wells is actually quite modest. Because groundwater here is soft, you should not experience much staining on fixtures or scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Your water should taste clean and not have unpleasant odors from minerals. Soft water is generally easier on your plumbing system and appliances.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and manganese can be removed through filtration systems, while radon requires specialized treatment like aeration or carbon filters.
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 | 11 | 27% | Low | High | |
| Radon | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Iron | 14 | 7% | Low | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Chloride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Arsenic | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrate | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 14 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…