Groundwater in Gladwin County contains iron, sulfate, and arsenic at concerning levels. Arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, and sulfate all exceed EPA health standards in this area.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally when groundwater sits in contact with iron-bearing rock deep underground. Arsenic is trapped in certain rock types. Sulfate and chloride also come from minerals in the bedrock that dissolve slowly over time as water moves through.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron. Iron dissolves from the rock as water passes through it, and this characteristic is common across wells in the county. The water carries enough iron to be aesthetically notable, along with moderate sodium and low sulfate levels.
Wells in Gladwin County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, chloride, and sulfate. Arsenic is a serious concern because long-term exposure damages your kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children and pregnant people. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect your kidneys and digestive system over time.
Wells in this county also contain high iron, which causes orange and brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Moderate sodium levels combined with sulfate can give the water a salty or bitter taste. These minerals build up inside pipes and water heaters, shortening their lifespan. You may notice crusty white deposits on fixtures.
We recommend testing your well water right away because 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 what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. Because multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or ion exchange can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 17 | 71% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 17 | 47% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 17 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 17 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 17 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 17 | — | 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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