Groundwater in Grant County contains iron, manganese, and nitrate that exceed EPA health standards. The levels of these contaminants are concerning enough to warrant attention from well owners.
These contaminants come from different sources in the local geology and land use. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock layers as water moves slowly through them underground. Nitrate enters from the surface through soil and seeps down into the aquifer, often from fertilizer or animal waste in agricultural areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other rock beneath the surface. As water filters through these deep rock layers over time, it dissolves minerals that accumulate in the water. Very hard water is widespread across Grant County wells.
Wells in Grant County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate. Iron can cause problems with red blood cell formation and organ function over time. Manganese exposure can affect the nervous system and development in children. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants, as it can interfere with how their blood carries oxygen. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues for some people.
The very hard water in county wells leaves white scale buildup on pipes, faucets, and fixtures that gets worse over time. This scale can shorten how long water heaters and dishwashers last. You may notice rusty orange or brown staining on sinks and clothing from iron. Hard water also makes soap and shampoo work less well, so you might use more of these products.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show you exactly what needs treatment. Iron removal systems and water softeners 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 135 | 28% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 136 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 87 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 132 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 130 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 116 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 64 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 137 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 131 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 71 | — | 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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