Groundwater in Alger County contains iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and should be addressed.
Iron, manganese, and radon come from the Jacobsville aquifer bedrock itself. This reddish sandstone naturally contains iron minerals and radioactive elements that dissolve into groundwater as water moves slowly through the rock over time.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with iron being the primary mineral that shapes its character. Iron concentrates in the water because the sandstone bedrock is rich in iron minerals that release into solution as water passes through. Elevated iron is common across wells in this county.
Wells in Alger County commonly contain iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that can affect how your body works over time. Manganese is especially concerning because long-term exposure has been linked to brain and nerve problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that dissolves into groundwater, and breathing radon gas released from water increases the risk of lung cancer over many years.
Beyond health concerns, the iron in county wells causes orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are hard to remove. Manganese can leave dark brown stains. The water here is relatively soft, so you won't see heavy scale buildup on pipes and fixtures the way you would in harder water areas. However, iron can give the water a metallic or bitter taste.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know for certain what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and will show you exactly what you are dealing with. Treatment options like aeration systems or iron filters can help remove these metals from your water.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 28 | 32% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 27 | 30% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 30 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 35 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 34 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…