Groundwater in Roseau County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and a group of industrial chemicals called PFAS compounds. These contaminants exceed federal health standards in this county's wells.
The rock beneath Roseau County is a lower layer of stone deposited during ancient times when this region was covered by shallow seas and sediments. Iron and manganese naturally dissolve into groundwater from the rock itself. Arsenic and fluoride also occur naturally in these stone layers. The PFAS chemicals come from human sources like industrial sites, airports, or military facilities where these compounds have been used or discarded.
Groundwater in Roseau County is very hard, driven by high levels of calcium and magnesium from the rock formation below. The lower Cretaceous stone that holds your water contains these minerals, which dissolve slowly as water moves through it. Very hard water is the dominant condition across wells in this county.
Wells in Roseau County have been found with arsenic, fluoride, lead, and manganese above EPA health limits, along with PFOA and PFOS chemicals. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk over time. Lead damages children's brains and learning abilities. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone health. Manganese and the PFOA and PFOS chemicals can harm your nervous system and organs with long-term exposure.
The very hard water in county wells will cause scale buildup on your pipes and fixtures, leaving white crusty deposits. Hard water makes soap less effective and can leave spots on dishes and glass. Iron in the water creates rust stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. The extreme hardness here can shorten the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and chemicals panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softening systems and activated carbon filters can address many of 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 52 | 77% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 49 | 63% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 15 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS | 6 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 22 | 18% | Moderate | High | |
| PFHxS | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Lead | 15 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 52 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 28 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 57 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 42 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 42 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 57 | — | Moderate | 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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