Groundwater in La Crosse County contains radon, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, and PFOA and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, with iron and manganese at moderate to elevated levels and radon present at concerning concentrations.
These contaminants come from both natural and human sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the deep rock layers as water moves slowly underground. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps from minerals in the bedrock. Nitrate and the industrial chemicals PFOA and PFOS enter from fertilizer use and industrial or commercial activities on the land surface.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock layers beneath the surface. The slow movement of water through deep bedrock allows these minerals to accumulate over time. Very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in La Crosse County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, and PFOA and PFOS. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system and cause other health concerns with long-term exposure. Nitrate and nitrite pose risks especially to infants and young children. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can accumulate in the body and affect health over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater and can increase lung cancer risk when it escapes into your home.
The county's water is very hard, which creates noticeable problems in daily life. You will see white or chalky scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and appliances. Iron staining leaves rusty-brown marks on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or have an unpleasant odor. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances because scale accumulates inside them.
We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what contaminants are present in your water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually there so you can treat it properly. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards here, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended and typically costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal systems, radon ventilation, and water softeners are treatment options that can address these concerns.
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 | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 119 | 43% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 116 | 40% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 45 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrite | 88 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 45 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 90 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 101 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 90 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 101 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 108 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 45 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 114 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 50 | — | 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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