Well Water in Grand Traverse County: What to Test and Why

Iron, arsenic, and lead are present in groundwater in Grand Traverse County, and these contaminants exceed EPA health standards. The levels detected are concerning enough to warrant attention.

These metals come from the bedrock itself. As groundwater sits in contact with the rock layers underground, iron and arsenic dissolve naturally into the water. Lead can also enter through older pipes and plumbing fixtures that contact the groundwater.

Groundwater in this county is marked by elevated iron. Iron concentrates here because water moving through the rock picks up this mineral from iron-bearing layers. Iron at moderate levels is fairly common across wells in this county.

Arsenic, iron, and lead are the analytes exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Grand Traverse County. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over years of drinking contaminated water and can increase the risk of cancer and organ damage. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, with especially serious effects on children's development and learning. Iron itself is not poisonous, but long-term exposure can affect your blood and organs over time.

Wells in this county commonly show moderate iron levels that cause orange or rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or have an unpleasant odor. Iron buildup can clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is typical in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically runs two hundred to four hundred dollars and will tell you exactly what needs attention. Iron removal filters or point-of-use treatment systems can address the contaminants once you know your levels.