Iron, manganese, and arsenic are present in Cumberland County's groundwater. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels in this county's wells.
The Early Mesozoic basin rock beneath Cumberland County naturally contains iron and manganese minerals. As water moves slowly through these rocks underground, it dissolves these metals and carries them into wells. Arsenic also occurs naturally in some parts of the basin rock.
Groundwater in Cumberland County is moderately hard and notably high in iron. The basin rock releases iron as water passes through it over time, making iron the most striking feature of the water. These characteristics show up across many wells throughout the county, though individual wells vary.
Wells in Cumberland County commonly have iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron exposure can harm your organs and cause developmental problems in children. Manganese affects the nervous system and can impact how your brain works, especially in young children. Arsenic is also present in some county wells and poses serious health risks from long-term exposure.
The high iron in county wells causes visible staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic taste or reddish tint to your water. The moderately hard water here can leave scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend having your well tested with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and your levels could be higher or lower than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400. Iron and manganese can be removed with filtration systems or oxidation treatments.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | 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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