Well Water in Lincoln County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lincoln County contains radon, manganese, and pfoa at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron also shows up above the health benchmark, making these contaminants a real concern for your well.

The rock beneath Lincoln County naturally contains iron and manganese, which dissolve into groundwater as water seeps through. Radon comes from radioactive decay in the rock itself and enters water as it moves underground. Pfoa contamination typically enters from industrial or firefighting activities on the land surface and can persist in groundwater for years.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron being the main mineral characteristic. The bedrock composition allows iron to leach into the water as it travels through the subsurface. Soft water with moderate iron is a common pattern across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Lincoln County commonly contain iron, manganese, PFOA, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can harm your brain and nervous system with long-term exposure. PFOA is a human-made chemical that can affect your immune system and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over time.

Iron at moderate levels in county wells causes orange or brown staining on fixtures and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste or odor in the water. The good news is that sodium and sulfate levels are low, so you won't deal with hard water scale buildup or appliance damage.

Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel that checks for all these contaminants, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and manganese removal systems, along with activated carbon filters for PFOA and radon mitigation, can address these concerns once you know your specific levels.