Groundwater in Sawyer County contains manganese, iron, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should address.
The rock beneath this county naturally releases manganese and iron as groundwater moves through it. Radon forms from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the rock and seeps into wells from cracks and spaces underground. This mix of rock types in the county creates conditions where these three contaminants dissolve into the water.
Groundwater in this county is soft with elevated iron that gives the water its character. Iron concentrates here because water moving through the rock picks it up as it flows underground. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county, so most owners will find similar conditions in their groundwater.
Wells in Sawyer County draw water that contains iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese exposure over time can harm the nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from the ground, and breathing radon released from water into your home increases the risk of lung cancer. Iron itself is not a direct health threat, but the other contaminants in county wells need attention.
The water in Sawyer County is naturally soft, so you won't deal with heavy scale buildup on fixtures or inside pipes. However, iron in the water can leave reddish-brown stains on laundry, sinks, and bathtubs. You might also notice a metallic taste in the water.
Since multiple analytes exceed EPA standards in county wells, we recommend a comprehensive water test for metals and minerals. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like aeration systems or activated carbon filters can help reduce radon and iron depending on what testing reveals.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 2 | 100% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Iron | 46 | 51% | 35% · 17% · 48% | Moderate | High |
| Radon | 6 | 50% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Chloride | 32 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Sulfate | 25 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 26 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 23 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 11 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | — | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | 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.
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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