Well Water in Manitowoc County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Manitowoc County contains iron, manganese, and sulfate. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, along with nitrate and sulfate, so these contaminants warrant attention.

The rock layers beneath this county naturally contain iron and manganese. As groundwater moves slowly through these rocks, these metals dissolve into the water. Nitrate can enter from fertilizer use on agricultural land above the aquifer.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite bedrock. As water sits in contact with these carbonate rocks, minerals dissolve and concentrate in the water. Very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Manitowoc County commonly contain iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and cause problems with your nervous system and organs. Nitrate is especially risky for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen.

The very hard water in county wells leaves white, crusty scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of these appliances. You may also notice orange or brown staining on sinks and laundry, a metallic taste in your water, or difficulty getting soap to lather.

We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and would show you exactly what you're dealing with. Iron filters or water softeners can help address these concerns.