Well Water in Kalkaska County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Kalkaska County contains lead, iron, and manganese. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, making them the main concerns for well owners in this area.

These metals dissolve naturally from minerals in the rock of the Marshall aquifer. As groundwater sits in contact with these iron-bearing rocks, the metals gradually dissolve into the water. The sandy and rocky layers here do not filter out these naturally occurring metals as water moves down to your well.

Groundwater in this county is marked by elevated iron. Iron concentrates in the water because it dissolves naturally from minerals in the aquifer rock, and iron at these moderate levels is fairly common across wells in the county.

Wells in Kalkaska County commonly show iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Long-term exposure to lead is especially harmful to children and can affect brain development and learning. Manganese at elevated levels can harm the nervous system over time. Iron itself is not poisonous at moderate levels, but the combination of these metals in your county's groundwater is worth addressing.

Wells in this county with moderate iron can leave orange or reddish-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Your water may taste metallic or bitter. Iron buildup can also clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

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 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 tell you exactly what you are dealing with. Iron filters or combination treatment systems can remove these metals from your water.