Groundwater in this county contains arsenic, chloride, and bacteria from natural sources and land activities. The good news is that contaminant levels here stay below EPA health standards, so they pose no immediate health concern.
These contaminants come from the coal-bearing rock layers that make up the Pennsylvanian aquifers beneath Russell County. Arsenic and chloride dissolve naturally into groundwater as it moves through cracks and spaces in the rock. Bacteria can enter wells through poor construction or contamination near the surface, though this is less common in deeper wells.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium from the surrounding rock. The Pennsylvanian rock layers release these minerals slowly as water sits in contact with them underground. Hard water is the norm across most wells in the county.
Good news: wells in Russell County don't show contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. However, some wells do contain arsenic, chloride, and bacteria at amounts worth monitoring. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can harm your kidneys and increase cancer risk. Chloride at elevated levels can damage your pipes and is a concern for people on salt-restricted diets. Bacteria like E. coli can cause serious stomach and digestive illnesses, especially in young children and elderly family members.
Wells in this county tend to be hard, which means you may notice white scale buildup inside your pipes, on faucets, and in your water heater. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. You might also see rust-colored staining on sinks and fixtures from sediment. The water may feel slippery or leave soap residue on your skin and hair.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive panel that tests for metals, minerals, and bacteria, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on what testing reveals, a water softener or activated carbon filter can help treat hard water and remove certain contaminants.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 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.
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