Well Water in Kalamazoo County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Kalamazoo County contains manganese, chloride, and PFOS. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which is a notable concern that requires attention.

These contaminants come from different sources in the geology and land use here. Manganese and chloride dissolve naturally from the rock as groundwater moves slowly underground in low-oxygen zones. PFOS is a human-made chemical that enters groundwater from industrial sites, landfills, or aqueous film-forming foams used in firefighting training.

Groundwater in this county carries elevated chloride and low levels of sulfate, making the water moderately mineralized but not extremely hard. Chloride concentrates here partly from road salt that soaks down from highways and partly from the natural rock composition. Most wells in the county show some elevation in these minerals, though the exact levels vary by location.

Wells in Kalamazoo County contain chloride, manganese, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated concentrations is a concern for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney problems. Manganese can harm brain development in children and affect memory and thinking in adults. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in the body over time and can weaken the immune system and affect liver function.

The mineral content in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life issues. Sulfate and other minerals leave white crusty scale on faucets and inside pipes. You may notice a bitter or salty taste in your water, and staining on sinks or laundry from iron or manganese buildup. These deposits can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well because every well is different and yours 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 metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and will show exactly what you are dealing with. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants at once.