Arsenic, chloride, and E. coli are present in Washington County's groundwater, but contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
The limestone and carbonate rock that lies beneath the county naturally contains small amounts of arsenic, which dissolves slowly into groundwater over time. Chloride seeps in from road salt and old mining activity in the area. E. coli comes from septic systems and animal waste near the surface that can leak down into shallow wells.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the carbonate bedrock as water moves through it. The limestone below the surface releases these minerals into the water, which is why hardness is a shared trait across most wells in the county.
Wells in Washington County contain arsenic and bacteria that can reach levels of health concern. Arsenic is a poison that enters the body through drinking water and builds up over time, potentially causing cancer and harming organs. E. coli bacteria in well water can cause serious stomach illness. Both of these contaminants require immediate attention and testing.
Hard water is common in county wells and can leave white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. The mineral deposits reduce how well soap cleans and can make your skin and hair feel sticky. Over time, hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines as minerals collect inside them.
We recommend getting your well tested right away. 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 is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will check for arsenic, bacteria, and other contaminants. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or chlorination can address many of these concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Iron | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | 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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