Outagamie County groundwater contains radon, sulfate, iron, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to require attention from well owners.
The deep rock layers beneath this county naturally contain radon, iron, and sulfate. As groundwater sits in contact with this rock over time, these elements dissolve into the water. Chloride also enters from the same deep geological sources. This is a common pattern in this region where the rock has these minerals built in.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the deep rock, and it also carries high sulfate. The very hard water results from minerals that dissolve as water moves through the limestone and sandstone below. These characteristics show up across most wells in the county.
Outagamie County wells commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, radon, and sulfate. Chloride at high levels can harm people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Iron poses health concerns when ingested in large amounts over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Sulfate can cause digestive problems in infants and people with certain health conditions.
The extremely hard water in this county creates visible and costly problems. You will see white, crusty scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and appliances. Orange-brown staining appears on sinks, bathtubs, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or smell like rotten eggs. Hard water this severe shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
We recommend testing your well for a comprehensive panel of metals and minerals, which typically costs $200 to $400. Your well is different from others in the county, and testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Radon requires its own separate test. Water softeners can reduce hardness, and iron filters or activated carbon can address specific contaminants based on 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 8 | 50% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Sulfate | 5 | 50% | 60% · 0% · 40% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Iron | 58 | 40% | 48% · 12% · 40% | Moderate | High |
| Chloride | 77 | 21% | 68% · 12% · 21% | Moderate | High |
| Nitrate | 7 | 0% | 86% · 14% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 46 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 46 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 46 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 46 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 46 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | 95% · 5% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Arsenic | 5 | 0% | 80% · 20% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Lead | 5 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | — | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 16 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 11 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 47 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 46 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
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.
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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