Arsenic, chloride, and E. coli are present in Clarke County groundwater, though well owners should know these contaminants are at low levels that do not exceed EPA health standards.
The Valley and Ridge rock formations in this area contain arsenic naturally, and it leaches into groundwater as water moves through the stone. Chloride enters groundwater from both rock minerals and road salt applied in winter months. E. coli occasionally appears in wells when surface water or sewage seeps down through soil near wells, though this is less common in areas with good well construction and distance from septic systems.
Groundwater in Clarke County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from limestone and carbonate rock layers beneath the surface. As water percolates through these mineral-rich rocks, it dissolves calcium and magnesium, which accumulate in the groundwater. Very hard water is the normal condition across wells throughout this county.
Good news: wells in Clarke County do not show contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and E. coli are present in some county wells at levels worth monitoring. Arsenic can accumulate in your body over time and affect your kidneys and bones. High chloride levels can be a concern for people with certain health conditions. E. coli is a bacteria that causes serious digestive illness.
Clarke County has very hard water. Hard water leaves scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan. You may notice spots on dishes and glassware, reduced lather from soap, and dry skin or hair. The taste and odor are usually not affected by this hardness level.
Your well is unique, and testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water. We recommend testing your well for bacteria and nitrate to start, which typically costs $50 to $100. If you want a fuller picture, a comprehensive metals panel runs $200 to $400. Once you know your results, treatment options like water softeners or chlorination can address your specific concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Manganese | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 667 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 19 | — | 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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