Groundwater in Sawyer County contains iron, manganese, and PFOA--all at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese and PFOA are the most concerning contaminants present in this county's wells.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally into groundwater as water moves through the mixed rock layers beneath the county. PFOA enters from industrial sources and has contaminated some wells in the area. The geology and past industrial activity together explain why these contaminants reach unsafe levels here.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with iron as the most notable mineral present. Iron concentrates in the water because it dissolves from the rock as acidic groundwater seeps downward. Moderate hardness and elevated iron are common across many wells throughout Sawyer County.
Wells in Sawyer County draw water that contains iron, manganese, PFOA, and PFOS at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the nervous system and organ function over time. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that build up in the body, and exposure during pregnancy and childhood raises particular health concerns. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can protect your family.
The moderately hard water in this county can leave staining on fixtures, dishes, and laundry. Iron commonly causes orange or brown discoloration. Hard water also leaves scale buildup on appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan. You may notice a metallic taste or odor in the water.
We recommend a comprehensive water test covering metals, minerals, and these industrial chemicals. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can address multiple contaminants once you know 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 35 | 54% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 35 | 51% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 17% | Low | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 17% | Low | High | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 33 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 41 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 19 | — | 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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