Groundwater in Sutter County contains manganese, arsenic, and iron that well owners should know about. Several of these contaminants including arsenic, iron, and manganese have been found at levels that exceed EPA health standards, which means they need attention.
These metals come from the rock layers underground in this region. The mix of different rock types here naturally releases these elements into groundwater as water moves through them over time. Agriculture and human activity in the area can also push some contaminants deeper into the water supply.
Groundwater in Sutter County is very hard, driven by high levels of calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock below. The rock layers here naturally contain minerals that break down and dissolve into the water as it flows through. Very hard water is the normal condition across most wells in this county.
Arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate have been found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells throughout Sutter County. Arsenic and nitrate can cause serious health problems with long-term exposure, including increased cancer risk and issues with blood vessel and nerve function. Manganese at high levels can affect the brain and nervous system, particularly in children. Fluoride in excess can cause dental fluorosis, which discolors teeth.
Wells in this county tend to be very hard, which creates real problems for daily life. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It makes soap less effective for cleaning and can leave spots on dishes and glassware. Very hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You may also notice a metallic taste in the water or staining from iron.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you are actually dealing with so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can help with hardness, and specialized filters can reduce arsenic and other contaminants.
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 | 130 | 49% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 136 | 29% | High | High | |
| Iron | 139 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 399 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 265 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 271 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 147 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 75 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 57 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Perchlorate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 13 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Boron | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chromium (total) | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Tds | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 396 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 386 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 15* | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 371 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 15* | 0% | 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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