Groundwater in Dodge County contains iron, manganese, nitrate, and PFHXS. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, while nitrate and PFHXS also show concerning levels that warrant attention.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock layers deep underground in this area. Nitrate enters from agricultural practices and septic systems in the county. PFHXS is a human-made chemical that has contaminated some wells, likely from industrial or commercial sources.
Groundwater in Dodge County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and sandstone below. Iron concentration adds another notable mineral character to the water. These characteristics appear across most wells in the county.
Wells in Dodge County commonly contain iron, manganese, nitrate, PFHXS, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the kidneys and cause problems with blood cell formation over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. PFHXS is a synthetic chemical that builds up in the body and may affect the immune system and liver.
The county's water is extremely hard, which creates visible problems around your home. You will likely see white, crusty scale buildup inside pipes, on faucets, and inside water heaters and dishwashers. Iron also causes rust-colored or orange staining on clothes, sinks, and fixtures. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of appliances and makes soap less effective for cleaning.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in county wells. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options include iron removal systems, water softeners, and PFAS filters.
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 | 170 | 59% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 165 | 27% | High | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 29 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 143 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 165 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 119 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 147 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 167 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 126 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 156 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 171 | — | 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.
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