Well Water in Houghton County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Houghton County contains iron, arsenic, and chloride that well owners should be aware of. Iron exceeds the EPA health standard in this county, while arsenic and chloride are present at lower levels.

Iron in this area comes from the rock beneath the surface. The bedrock contains iron-bearing minerals that dissolve into groundwater as it moves slowly through cracks and spaces in the stone. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in smaller amounts within these same rock layers.

Groundwater in Houghton County is moderately hard, driven primarily by elevated iron concentration. Iron is common in the mixed rock types found here, and it dissolves into water as groundwater sits in contact with the stone over time. Most wells in this county show elevated iron levels, making this a widespread characteristic of the local groundwater.

Wells in this county commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron. Iron at elevated levels can harm your body's ability to absorb other nutrients and can damage organs like your heart and liver over time. Arsenic and chloride are also found in county wells, though at lower levels.

Wells in this county often produce rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are hard to remove. The moderately hard water can cause scale buildup on pipes and fixtures. You may notice a metallic taste or odor in the water.

We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in it. 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 so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400, and iron removal systems or water softeners can help address these concerns.