Groundwater in Wilkin County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, and PFOS and related chemicals. Multiple contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making this a county where well owners need to test their water and understand what is coming from their tap.
These contaminants come from a mix of sources tied to the local rock and human activity. The bedrock here contains naturally occurring arsenic, iron, and manganese that dissolve into groundwater as it moves through the rock layers below. Nitrate and chloride enter from fertilizers and road salt on the surface and seep down into wells. PFOS and related chemicals come from industrial use and contaminated sites. Sulfate also builds up naturally in this region's groundwater.
Groundwater in Wilkin County is very hard, driven by high levels of manganese, iron, sulfate, and the minerals that create hardness. The local rock geology naturally produces these minerals as water passes through it over time. These elevated mineral levels show up in wells across the county, though individual wells vary in exactly what they contain.
Wells in Wilkin County commonly have arsenic, lead, nitrate, chloride, fluoride, and PFOA and PFOS chemicals at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that can damage your kidneys, nervous system, and bones, especially in children. Nitrate is dangerous for babies and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that build up in your body and can affect your liver, immune system, and thyroid.
The very hard water in county wells causes stubborn staining on fixtures and dishes and creates thick scale buildup inside pipes and appliances. Iron in the water leaves rust-colored stains on sinks and laundry. The water may taste bitter or salty from the minerals. Hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers because mineral deposits clog and corrode them.
We recommend getting your well water tested right away. Every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, and chemicals costs around $200 to $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Depending on results, treatment options include reverse osmosis filters, water softeners, or specialized systems for specific 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 39 | 90% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 39 | 85% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 12 | 50% | Low | High | |
| Sulfate | 47 | 34% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 33% | Low | High | |
| Lead | 12 | 25% | Low | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 39 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 54 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 4* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 33 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 35 | — | 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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