Well Water in Keweenaw County: What to Test and Why

Iron, arsenic, and chloride are present in Keweenaw County's groundwater. Iron exceeds the EPA health standard, while arsenic and chloride appear at lower levels of concern.

These contaminants come from the bedrock itself. Iron and arsenic occur naturally in the rock, dissolving into groundwater as water moves through cracks and spaces. Chloride appears in smaller amounts, partly from natural mineral sources in the local bedrock.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron as the main aesthetic characteristic. Iron concentrates in the water because it sits naturally in the underlying rock and dissolves as groundwater passes through. Elevated iron is common across wells in this county.

Iron exceeds EPA health standards in wells across this county. Long-term exposure to elevated iron can affect how your body absorbs and uses other nutrients. While iron itself does not cause immediate illness, it is a contaminant that should be addressed, especially if your well shows high levels.

Wells in this county have moderately elevated iron, which causes visible staining in sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice rust-colored or orange discoloration on fixtures and fabrics. Some people also notice a metallic taste in the water. The water here is relatively soft, so you should not experience heavy scale buildup on pipes or appliances.

We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower iron levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know for certain so you can decide on treatment. A basic health screen costs about $50-100, and iron can be addressed with filtration or similar removal systems.