Shawano County groundwater contains arsenic, iron, lead, manganese, radon, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require attention from well owners.
The rock beneath Shawano County naturally releases iron, manganese, and radon into the water as it moves through the ground. Arsenic and lead also dissolve from the local bedrock. These metals are not from pollution--they come straight from the geology underlying the area.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron and elevated calcium and magnesium from the local rock. The iron-bearing rocks here naturally contribute these minerals to wells across the region. Most wells show these same characteristics, reflecting the common geology throughout the county.
Shawano County wells commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, uranium, and radon. Arsenic and uranium are toxic metals that can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Lead is especially dangerous for children because it damages brain development and learning. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters through groundwater and increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over time.
County wells show moderate hardness along with elevated iron. This causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Over time, the mineral buildup can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Every well in this county is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs around $200-400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, water softeners, and radon removal systems can address these concerns depending on your test 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 84 | 39% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 102 | 25% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 58 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 64 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 61 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 31 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrite | 59 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 122 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 104 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 127 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 127 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 138 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 126 | — | High | 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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