Well Water in Ontonagon County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Ontonagon County contains manganese and iron at levels that exceed federal health standards, along with arsenic. These contaminant levels are concerning enough that well owners should take action to understand their own water quality.

The Jacobsville aquifer here is made of sandstone rich in iron-bearing minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in this rock, iron and manganese dissolve into the water naturally. Arsenic also occurs naturally in trace amounts within these mineral-bearing rocks.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by elevated iron from the local sandstone bedrock. The sandstone's iron minerals dissolve as water seeps through it over time. Elevated iron is common across wells in this county.

Wells in Ontonagon County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron and manganese. Both of these metals can build up in your body over time. Iron exposure can affect your blood and organs. Manganese at high levels can damage your brain and nervous system, especially in children. Arsenic also appears in county wells at levels worth monitoring.

Wells here produce moderately hard water, and iron is a major aesthetic problem. You will likely see orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Iron can also create a metallic taste and give water an unpleasant smell. These stains are stubborn and hard to remove. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to learn what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal systems and water softeners can address many of these concerns.