Iron, manganese, and radon exceed EPA health standards in Pierce County well water. PFOA and PFHXS are also detected, with several contaminants reaching concerning levels that warrant attention.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the deep limestone and sandstone rock layers beneath the county as water moves slowly through them. Radon forms from the natural breakdown of radioactive elements in that same bedrock. PFOA and PFHXS are human-made chemicals that have entered groundwater through contamination from industrial or municipal sources on the land surface.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock below. The moderate iron levels add a secondary mineral character to the water. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells in Pierce County, though the exact mix and concentration vary from well to well.
Wells in Pierce County commonly exceed EPA health standards for several contaminants. Iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, PFHXS, and PFOA have been found at levels of concern in county groundwater. Exposure to elevated nitrate is harmful to infants and can interfere with oxygen transport in the blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed over time. PFOA and PFHXS are industrial chemicals that can build up in your body and affect your immune system, liver, and thyroid. Manganese at elevated levels may affect brain development in children.
The very hard water in Pierce County wells creates significant quality-of-life challenges. You may notice rust-colored staining on fixtures and laundry from iron. The water may have a metallic or bitter taste from iron and manganese. Hard water leaves white scale buildup inside pipes and on appliances. This mineral accumulation can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap and shampoo do not work well in hard water, making cleaning less effective.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different--your water may contain higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so proper treatment can be designed. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400. Iron removal systems and radon aeration can address several of 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 | 51 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 48 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 46 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 3* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 48 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 52 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 31 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 3* | 0% | 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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