Iron and manganese are the main contaminants in Jackson County groundwater that well owners should know about. These metals exceed EPA health standards in this county's wells.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the mixed rock layers underground as water passes through them slowly over time. This county's geology naturally releases these metals into the groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is soft, but high in iron from the rock below. Water moving through the mixed rock layers picks up iron as it flows. High iron concentrations show up across many wells in Jackson County.
Iron and manganese are found at levels above EPA health standards in wells across Jackson County. Breathing or swallowing too much iron can cause stomach problems and organ damage. Manganese can harm brain development and learning, especially in children and babies.
Wells in this county commonly have iron at levels high enough to create rust-colored stains on clothes, pipes, and bathroom fixtures. You might notice a metallic or bitter taste in the water. The water here is relatively soft, so you won't deal with heavy scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespans like households with very hard water do.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron removal filters or water softening systems can help treat these issues once you know your specific levels.
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 | 32 | 53% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 32 | 53% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sulfate | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 32 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 31 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 18 | — | Moderate | 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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