Groundwater in Goodhue County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, and other contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. These levels of concern warrant attention--arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, and PFOS have all been found above safe drinking water limits in wells throughout the county.
The limestone bedrock beneath this county naturally releases iron and manganese as water moves slowly through it over time. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the rock layers here. On top of that, nitrate and PFOA and PFOS likely come from farm fertilizers, manure, and industrial or firefighting activities on the land surface that seep down into the groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below. The moderate iron levels add to the mineral character of the water. These characteristics are widespread across Goodhue County wells because the limestone aquifer that supplies them contains these minerals throughout.
Wells in Goodhue County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, and PFOS. Arsenic exposure increases cancer risk and can damage the nervous system over time. Nitrate is especially harmful to infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Manganese at elevated levels may affect the brain and nervous system. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that build up in the body and have been linked to health problems including liver damage and immune system issues.
The very hard water in county wells leaves white scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. This scale can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other equipment. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water, and soap and shampoo will not work as well. Staining from iron and manganese can mark laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures with reddish or brownish discoloration.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Every well is different, and your water could 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 you can treat it properly. Treatment options like iron removal systems, water softeners, and activated carbon filters can address these concerns once you know your specific results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 239 | 36% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 228 | 29% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 21 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 284 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 56 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 55 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 256 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 218 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 246 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 233 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 233 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 180 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 100 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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