Groundwater in Anoka County contains lead, manganese, iron, chloride, sulfate, and PFAS chemicals that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough that well owners need to take action to protect their families.
Lead and manganese enter groundwater from natural sources in the rock and soil, while iron occurs naturally in the aquifer. Chloride and sulfate also come from the local geology. PFAS chemicals come from human sources like industrial sites, airports, and firefighting foam--contamination that spreads through groundwater once it enters the system.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock. Iron is also high in concentration. These minerals are common across wells throughout the county, though specific levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Anoka County show several contaminants above EPA health standards. Lead and manganese can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS are chemicals that build up in your body over time and may affect your immune system and other organs. Chloride and sulfate at high levels can cause health problems for people on restricted diets or with certain medical conditions.
Hard water in county wells leaves stains on fixtures and dishes. It creates soap scum in showers and bathtubs that's hard to clean. The mineral buildup can shorten the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Some residents notice reddish or brown staining from iron in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to see what is actually in your water. 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 full metals and minerals panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can address different contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 683 | 49% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 649 | 41% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 491 | 39% | High | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 322 | 29% | High | High | |
| Iron | 851 | 28% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 604 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 964 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 314 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 843 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 242 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 175 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 604 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 433 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 161 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 125 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 173 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 788 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 331 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 334 | — | High | 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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