Groundwater in Richland County contains manganese, iron, and PFOS, with iron, manganese, and PFOS all exceeding EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough to warrant attention from well owners.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the deep rock layers beneath the county as groundwater moves slowly through them over time. PFOS comes from human sources like industrial sites, airports, or firefighting foam that have contaminated groundwater in some areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. These minerals accumulate as water filters through limestone and other rock layers over many years. Very hard water is common across wells throughout Richland County.
Richland County wells commonly have iron, manganese, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron can affect the development of the nervous system and cause other health issues with long-term exposure. Manganese at elevated levels can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in the body over time and can weaken the immune system and affect liver function.
The very hard water in this county leaves white, chalky scale buildup on faucets, fixtures, and inside pipes. You may see rusty orange or brown staining on sinks and laundry from the iron. Hard water makes soap and shampoo less effective and can leave a film on skin. Over time, this extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and is the only way to know for certain what treatment your water needs. Iron removal systems and water softeners are common treatment options for 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 24 | 46% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 24 | 38% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 7% | Low | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sulfate | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 24 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 15 | — | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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