Groundwater in Polk County contains iron, manganese, chloride, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are high enough that well owners should be aware of them.
Iron and manganese dissolve from the mixed rock types beneath this county as groundwater moves slowly through them. Chloride enters the water from the surrounding geology and possibly from road salt and other sources. The combination of these elements in the rock and soil is what brings them into the water.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium in the water. The mixed rock composition underlying Polk County naturally contains minerals that dissolve into the water as it flows through. Hard water with moderate iron levels is common across wells in this county.
Chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate appear at elevated levels in wells across Polk County. Chloride at high levels can raise blood pressure in people who are sensitive to salt. Iron and manganese do not pose direct health risks, but they can affect how your body processes other nutrients over time. Sulfate can have laxative effects in some people, especially infants and young children.
County wells tend to be moderately hard, which means you may notice white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Iron in the water can leave rust-colored stains on laundry, sinks, and toilets. You might also notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your well actually needs. Iron removal systems and water softeners are common treatment options for these issues.
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 | 92 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 88 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 97 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 97 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 77 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 46 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 95 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 91 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 61 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | 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.
* 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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