Iron, manganese, and arsenic are present in Buffalo County groundwater. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, making them the primary health concerns for well owners.
The sandstone and shale rock layers beneath this county naturally contain iron and manganese. As water moves slowly through these deep rocks, it dissolves these metals and picks them up on its way to your well. Arsenic also occurs naturally in some of these rock layers.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other rock layers below. These minerals dissolve as water passes through the bedrock and accumulate in the groundwater supply. Very hard water is common across wells in Buffalo County.
Wells in Buffalo County show iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese exposure can affect the nervous system, especially in children, and long-term exposure raises health concerns. Iron itself is not a health hazard, but arsenic also appears in county wells at levels worth attention, and arsenic increases the risk of cancer and other serious health problems over a lifetime.
The very hard water in this county will leave stubborn stains and scale buildup on fixtures, dishes, and glassware. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Over time, hard water reduces the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances as mineral deposits accumulate inside them.
We recommend testing your well to find out what you actually have. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel will show you exactly what is present so it can be properly treated. Iron removal systems and arsenic treatment options are available once you know your 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 | 32 | 78% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 29 | 34% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 30 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 32 | — | 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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