Groundwater in Sheboygan County contains iron, manganese, and sulfate that well owners should be aware of. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards in the county's wells, making testing and treatment important.
These metals and the sulfate come from the rock layers beneath the county. As groundwater moves slowly through the limestone and shale, iron and manganese dissolve naturally into the water. Sulfate also originates from minerals in the bedrock. Additionally, chloride enters some wells from road salt applied during winter months.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below. The hardness develops as water passes through and dissolves minerals from the rock over time. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Sheboygan County commonly contain chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and a chemical called PFHXS, all at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated levels can raise blood pressure in some people and is a concern for those watching their sodium intake. Iron and manganese, while not directly toxic at the levels found here, can cause problems with the blood and nervous system over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how the body carries oxygen. PFHXS is a human-made chemical that can build up in the body and affect the immune system and liver.
The water in this county is very hard, and combined with elevated iron, residents often notice orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water leaves white, crusty scale buildup on pipes and fixtures, and it makes soap less effective for cleaning. The extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You may also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since every well is different and yours may 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 iron filters combined with water softeners can address both the staining and hardness problems.
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 | 135 | 37% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 135 | 23% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 127 | 21% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 135 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 32 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 111 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 119 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 103 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 136 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 32 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 136 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 104 | — | 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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