Groundwater in Dunn County contains radon, manganese, and iron. Iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon all exceed EPA health standards in this county's wells.
These contaminants come from the bedrock itself. The deep rock layers underneath Dunn County naturally contain radioactive elements that break down into radon gas. Iron and manganese dissolve into the water as it moves slowly through these rocks over many years.
Groundwater in Dunn County is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the bedrock below. The iron present at notable levels adds to the mineral character of the water. Hard water and elevated iron are common across wells throughout this county.
Wells in Dunn County commonly have iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed over many years. Nitrate can harm infants and cause serious health problems in very young children. Iron and manganese themselves do not cause direct health problems, but their presence signals the water chemistry in your area.
County well water is moderately hard, which means you may see white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron can leave reddish or brownish stains on laundry, dishes, and sinks. The water may taste metallic or have an earthy flavor from the minerals. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since multiple contaminants exceed standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like radon aeration systems and iron removal filters can address these concerns 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 2 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 56 | 55% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 57 | 54% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 57 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 61 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 37 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 55 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | 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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