Well Water in Benzie County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Benzie County contains arsenic, chloride, and bacteria, though contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should be aware of these substances but do not need to treat for urgent health concerns based on current testing.

These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock below and from human activities on the land surface. Arsenic dissolves naturally from minerals in the bedrock as water sits underground for a long time. Chloride enters from road salt applied to highways and roads that seeps down into the water supply. Bacteria can come from shallow contamination near the surface, especially in older or poorly constructed wells.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the limestone and other rock layers below. Water moving slowly through these mineral-rich layers picks up these hardness minerals over time. Hard water is common across wells in Benzie County, though individual wells vary in how hard the water is.

Good news--no contaminants exceed EPA health standards in Benzie County wells. However, arsenic, chloride, and E. coli have been detected in the county's groundwater. Arsenic builds up in the body over time and can increase cancer risk. E. coli bacteria can cause serious stomach illness. Chloride at high levels can affect people on salt-restricted diets.

Wells in this county tend to have hard water, which means white crusty buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. The moderate iron levels can cause orange-brown staining on sinks and laundry. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be treated properly. A basic health screen for bacteria and nitrate costs around $50-100, while a comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs $200-400. Iron filters or water softeners can address staining and hardness concerns.