Groundwater in Menominee County contains iron, manganese, sulfate, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to require attention.
The bedrock beneath this county naturally contains iron and manganese, which dissolve slowly into groundwater as water moves through cracks and spaces in the rock. Sulfate also comes from minerals in the bedrock. Radon, a radioactive gas, seeps into the water from natural decay of uranium in the rock layers below.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the mineral-rich rock. The same rock formations that release iron and manganese also contribute to the hardness. Very hard water is common across most wells in Menominee County.
Wells in this county commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate. Iron and manganese are metals that build up in your body over time and can affect how your organs work. Radon is a radioactive gas that dissolves into groundwater and increases your lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over many years. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause stomach and digestive problems.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which means you will see white, crusty scale buildup on pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Iron causes orange or rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Over time, extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. 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 you can treat it properly. Treatment options like aeration systems and water softeners can address radon, iron, manganese, and hardness.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 32 | 69% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 30 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 32 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 10 | 10% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 32 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 33 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 30 | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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