Well Water in Roscommon County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Roscommon County contains manganese, iron, and arsenic. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so well owners should be aware of them.

These metals come from the rock beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through the underground layers, it dissolves iron and manganese naturally. Arsenic also occurs naturally in certain rock layers in this area.

Groundwater in Roscommon County is notably high in iron. Iron dissolves from the rock as water sits in contact with it over time. This characteristic is common across wells in the county.

Arsenic, iron, and manganese exceed EPA health standards in wells throughout this county. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can damage your organs and increase cancer risk. Manganese at elevated levels can harm your nervous system and affect how your brain works. Iron itself is not poisonous, but these metals accumulate in your body with long-term exposure.

Wells in this county commonly stain sinks, toilets, and laundry with orange or reddish-brown marks from iron. Manganese can leave dark stains too. Your water may taste metallic or bitter. Mineral buildup from iron and manganese can also clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

Every well is different, and yours 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 well so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. Iron removal systems and arsenic treatment options like reverse osmosis can address these contaminants once you know your results.