Well Water in Chippewa County: What to Test and Why

Chloride and sulfate are present in Chippewa County groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic also appears in the water, though at lower concentrations.

The Jacobsville aquifer here is made of red sandstone containing natural mineral deposits. As groundwater moves slowly through this rock, it dissolves chloride, sulfate, and trace amounts of arsenic that are locked in the stone. Road salt from winter maintenance can also add chloride to shallow wells near roads.

Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron present. Iron comes from minerals in the sandstone bedrock that dissolve as water passes through over time. Most wells in Chippewa County show similar characteristics, though iron levels and mineral content vary from well to well.

Wells in Chippewa County commonly contain chloride and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated levels can be a concern for people on salt-restricted diets, particularly those with heart disease or high blood pressure. Sulfate can cause digestive issues in some people, especially children and those with compromised immune systems. Both contaminants warrant testing to understand what is present in your specific well.

The water in this county is relatively soft, which is good news for your pipes and appliances. You are unlikely to see heavy scaling or crusty buildup on fixtures. Iron is present at moderate levels, which could cause some light staining on sinks or laundry in some wells, though this varies widely between individual properties.

We recommend testing your well water since every well is different and yours 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 properly treated if needed. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and will identify all contaminants present. Depending on results, treatment options like ion exchange or reverse osmosis can address chloride and sulfate concerns.