Well Water in Montmorency County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Montmorency County contains iron at levels high enough to exceed EPA standards, along with pH and sodium. Iron at this level is a concern that warrants attention, though the sodium levels remain low.

Iron gets into the water naturally as groundwater sits in contact with iron-bearing rock layers beneath the county. The bedrock here naturally contains minerals that dissolve slowly into the water moving through cracks and small spaces in the stone.

Groundwater in Montmorency County is notably hard and carries elevated iron from the rock below. The same rock formations that release iron also contribute to the hardness. These characteristics are common across wells in the county.

Iron exceeds health standards in wells throughout this county. Long-term exposure to elevated iron can damage your heart and liver over time. Iron itself is not a poison, but the health risk comes from years of drinking water with high levels of this metal.

Wells in this county commonly show moderate iron levels that create orange or reddish-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Your water may taste metallic or have an unpleasant odor. Iron buildup can also clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it. Every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A basic health screen for bacteria and nitrate costs around fifty to one hundred dollars. An iron filtration system can remove iron from your water.