Groundwater in Swift County contains arsenic, lead, sulfate, and chloride at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should monitor and address.
The rock beneath Swift County releases these contaminants naturally into the groundwater. Arsenic and lead leach from the minerals in the bedrock, while sulfate and chloride accumulate as water moves slowly through the underground layers. Agricultural activity and road salt in the area can also add to chloride levels in some wells.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the surrounding rock. The hard bedrock in this region naturally releases these minerals as water passes through it over time. Most wells in Swift County show this very hard water character.
Wells in Swift County commonly have arsenic, chloride, lead, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and harm your skin, heart, and nervous system. Lead is especially harmful to children and can affect brain development and learning. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems and other health issues.
Very hard water in county wells can leave white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. This hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You may notice stiff laundry, spots on dishes, and reduced soap lather. Some people also taste a slightly salty or mineral flavor in their tap water.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, bacteria, and nitrate costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know what treatment your water needs. Water softeners can help with hardness, and special filters or systems can remove arsenic and lead from your drinking water.
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 | 59 | 92% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 58 | 83% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 68 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 97 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 31 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 32 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…