Groundwater in Gogebic County contains manganese, iron, lead, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. These contaminants present serious health concerns that well owners should address through testing and treatment.
The Jacobsville sandstone aquifer underlying this county naturally contains iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves slowly through the rock. Lead and radon come from the bedrock itself--lead from mineral deposits and radon from radioactive decay within the stone layers.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, driven by the iron-rich minerals present in the local sandstone. The soft water here means iron concentrates in wells as water seeps through rock layers over time. Elevated iron is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Gogebic County contain iron, lead, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron at high levels can cause problems with blood and organ function. Lead harms brain development, especially in children, and damages the nervous system. Manganese affects brain development and can cause tremors and mood changes with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk when you drink contaminated water over time.
Iron in county well water causes orange and brown staining on clothes, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water. The county's soft water means these stains are easier to spot and harder to remove. High iron can also clog pipes and damage appliances over time.
We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out what is actually in your well. 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 needs to be treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron removal systems and aeration can help address these contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 2 | 100% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Iron | 7 | 67% | 29% · 14% · 57% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Radon | 5 | 20% | 80% · 0% · 20% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Lead | 6 | 20% | 83% · 0% · 17% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Chloride | 21 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Sulfate | 46 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 7 | 0% | 57% · 43% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Uranium | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 17 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 31 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 18 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
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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