Well Water in Van Buren County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Van Buren County contains lead, manganese, and iron. These metals exceed EPA health standards and need your attention.

These metals dissolve naturally from the rock layers underground where your well draws water. The "other rocks" that make up this area's aquifer contain these minerals, and as water moves slowly through them in low-oxygen conditions, the metals dissolve into your water.

Groundwater in Van Buren County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The same geological conditions that release iron and manganese also concentrate these hardness minerals as water passes through. Very hard water is common across wells in this county.

Chloride, iron, lead, and manganese exceed EPA health standards in wells across Van Buren County. Chloride at elevated levels can raise blood pressure and cause other cardiovascular problems, especially in people who are sensitive to salt. Lead is dangerous because it builds up in the body over time and can damage the brain and nervous system, causing learning problems and behavioral changes in children. Iron and manganese are less of a direct health threat, but manganese exposure over many years can harm the brain and nervous system.

Wells in this county have extremely hard water, which means you will see white, crusty buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes and appliances. The iron will cause rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in the water. This extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.

We recommend testing your well right away since your county has multiple contaminants of concern. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and can identify all the contaminants present. Water softeners paired with iron and lead removal systems can help address these problems.