Groundwater in Iowa County contains iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are concerning enough that well owners should test their water to understand what is present in their wells.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the bedrock as water moves slowly underground through the deep limestone and sandstone layers beneath the county. Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizer applied to agricultural land and seeps down through the soil into the water below.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock. As water filters down through these rocks over time, it dissolves minerals that accumulate in the water. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout Iowa County.
Iron, manganese, and nitrate are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in Iowa County wells. Iron and manganese can cause problems with your organs and nervous system if you drink water with high levels over time. Nitrate is particularly concerning for infants and young children, as it can interfere with how blood carries oxygen through the body. Testing your well is the only way to know if your family is at risk.
The very hard water in this county leaves white scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. You may notice rusty staining from iron on sinks and laundry. Hard water also makes soap and shampoo work less well, and it can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The mineral content can affect how your water looks, feels, and tastes.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it. 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 typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will check for all the contaminants found here. Depending on your results, treatment options like water softening systems or nitrate removal filters can help protect your family.
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 | 99 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 89 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 61 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 87 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 75 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 90 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 99 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 103 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 48 | — | 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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