Well Water in Lenawee County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lenawee County contains iron, manganese, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and need attention.

Iron, manganese, and chloride come from the Marshall sandstone aquifer beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through this rock layer, these metals dissolve into the water. The low-oxygen conditions deep underground help release iron and manganese from the rock itself, while chloride enters from road salt applied to highways and county roads that soaks down into the groundwater.

Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron. Iron concentrations in the water come from natural minerals in the sandstone formation. These iron-rich characteristics appear across many wells in the county, though individual wells vary in their exact levels.

Wells in Lenawee County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, manganese, and nitrite. Nitrite is especially concerning because it interferes with the body's ability to carry oxygen in the blood, which can be dangerous for infants and people with certain health conditions. Manganese at elevated levels can harm brain development in children. Iron and chloride also pose health risks when consumed at high levels over time.

Beyond health concerns, the high iron levels in county wells cause orange or reddish-brown staining on sinks, tubs, and laundry. Manganese leaves dark brown or black stains. These minerals build up as scale inside pipes and water heaters, which can shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. The water may also have a metallic or bitter taste.

We recommend testing your well because every well is different--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. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards here, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like oxidation filtration systems and water softeners can address these concerns.