Well Water in Scott County: What to Test and Why

Chloride, radon, and sulfate are present in Scott County's groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

The limestone and carbonate rocks underneath Scott County naturally contain sulfate and allow radon gas to move into groundwater. Salt from road treatments and old mining activity adds chloride to the water. These three contaminants come from a mix of the rock itself and human activities in the area.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium released from the limestone bedrock as water flows through it. This moderate hardness is common across most wells in Scott County because the limestone geology is widespread and affects nearly all groundwater in the area.

Wells in Scott County sometimes contain chloride, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over many years. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can cause health problems for infants and people with certain medical conditions. These contaminants come from natural sources in the ground and from human activities in the area.

The water in this county tends to be moderately hard, which means you might notice some scale buildup on faucets and fixtures or find that soap does not lather as easily. You may see some staining from iron in your water, and the water could have a slightly different taste or smell. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs to be treated. A comprehensive panel usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on what is found, treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or radon removal systems can help.