Groundwater in Columbia County contains iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, and PFOS. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards at moderate levels, while PFOA and PFOS are present at concerning concentrations that also exceed those standards.
These metals come from the deep rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally as groundwater moves slowly through the stone below. Nitrate enters from fertilizer and septic systems in the soil above. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that contaminate groundwater when they leak from industrial sites, landfills, or aqueous film-forming foam used at airports and fire training areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the carbonate and sandstone rock below. These minerals dissolve into the water as it travels through the stone layers. Very hard water is common across most wells throughout the county.
Wells in Columbia County commonly contain iron, manganese, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Nitrate poses risks to infants and can affect oxygen in the blood. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to health problems including immune system effects and certain cancers.
Columbia County wells are very hard, which causes visible problems in your home. Hard water leaves chalky white scale inside pipes and on fixtures. It reduces how well soap works and can make cleaning harder. Very hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice rust-colored staining on clothes, sinks, and fixtures from the elevated iron.
We recommend testing your well water since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. Because multiple analytes exceed health standards, we recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically runs $200 to $400. Iron removal systems and water softeners can help address these concerns.
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 | 183 | 31% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 183 | 21% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 164 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sulfate | 187 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 142 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 178 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 187 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 149 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 191 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 189 | — | High | 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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