Iron, radon, PFOA, PFOS, and uranium are present in Hennepin County groundwater and exceed EPA health standards. These levels are concerning enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
These contaminants come from different sources in the local geology and human activity. Iron and uranium occur naturally in the rock layers beneath the county. Radon seeps from rock deep underground into water as it moves through fractures. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have entered groundwater from industrial sites and contaminated areas on the land surface.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate levels of iron and sodium. The iron comes from minerals in the rock, and sodium enters the water as it sits underground. These characteristics are widespread across wells in Hennepin County.
Wells in Hennepin County commonly contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Iron, uranium, radon, and the chemicals PFOA and PFOS have all been found at concerning levels in county wells. Uranium and radon are radioactive and can increase cancer risk over time. PFOA and PFOS are "forever chemicals" that build up in your body and have been linked to health problems including kidney and thyroid issues. Elevated sulfate in some wells can also cause digestive problems.
Hard water is common in this county and creates everyday headaches. You may notice white, chalky buildup on faucets and shower heads, or staining on dishes and fixtures. Hard water makes it harder to get soap to lather and can leave residue on your skin and hair. It shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers because mineral scale clogs them up over time.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel because multiple contaminants are present in this county's water. Every well is different, and your water could 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 costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like water softeners, activated carbon filters, and radon removal systems can address these concerns.
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 | 834 | 80% | High | High | |
| Iron | 926 | 52% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 322 | 38% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 293 | 31% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 1047 | 16% | High | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 199 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 560 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 870 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 92 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 446 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 653 | 2% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 227 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 526 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 190 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 297 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Radon | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 840 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 457 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 208 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 398 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…