Well Water in Genesee County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Genesee County contains manganese, arsenic, iron, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. The concern level is serious--these contaminants are present above the legal limits set to protect human health.

These metals come from the Marshall aquifer, a sandstone rock layer buried deep below the county. As groundwater moves slowly through tiny spaces in the sandstone, it dissolves arsenic, iron, and manganese that occur naturally in the rock. Chloride accumulates partly from road salt applied to highways and partly from ancient minerals within the rock itself.

Groundwater in this county is notably hard and carries elevated iron. The sandstone in this area releases iron and manganese into the water as it passes through, and these minerals are common findings across wells in the county. Iron concentrations in particular show up regularly in tested wells throughout Genesee County.

Wells in Genesee County commonly have arsenic, chloride, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. Chloride at high levels can damage your kidneys and harm people with high blood pressure. Sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive problems.

Iron and manganese in county wells create staining and discoloration. Iron leaves orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or have a bitter flavor from the minerals. Over time, the mineral buildup inside pipes and water heaters can shorten their lifespan and increase repair costs.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed standards here. 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 properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Arsenic removal and iron treatment can both be addressed with point-of-use or whole-house systems.