Well Water in Iowa County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Iowa County contains iron, nitrate, and arsenic that well owners should know about. Iron and nitrate exceed EPA health standards in this area, making them important concerns.

Iron dissolves naturally as water moves slowly through the deep rock layers beneath the county. Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizer and animal manure used on agricultural land, which is widespread here. Arsenic occurs naturally in the rock itself and releases into water over time.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock below. As water seeps through these deep layers, it dissolves minerals that accumulate in your well water. Very hard water is the common pattern across wells throughout Iowa County.

Iron and nitrate show up at unhealthy levels in wells across Iowa County. Iron at elevated levels can damage your organs over time with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and pregnant women, as it can interfere with how their blood carries oxygen. Both of these contaminants need attention to protect your family's health.

The very hard water in this county leaves scale buildup on pipes and inside appliances like dishwashers and water heaters, which can shorten how long they last. You may notice rusty orange or brown staining on sinks and laundry from the iron. Hard water also makes it harder for soap to work well and can leave spots on dishes and shower doors.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know if you need treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron removal systems and water softeners can both help address these concerns.