Groundwater in Waushara County contains iron, nitrate, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should be aware of.
Iron and manganese come from the deep rock layers beneath the county. As groundwater sits in contact with these rocks over time, these metals dissolve into the water. Nitrate typically enters groundwater from fertilizer use on the land above.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock below. Water moving through these deep layers dissolves minerals easily, and very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Waushara County commonly have three analytes that exceed EPA health standards: iron, manganese, and nitrate. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and affect your organs and nervous system. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and young children, interfering with how their blood carries oxygen. These are serious concerns that deserve attention.
Wells in this county have very hard water, which causes white, chalky scale to form inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers. This hard water can shorten the lifespan of appliances. You might also notice rust-colored stains on sinks and clothes from iron in the water. Some people also report a metallic taste or smell.
Every well is different, and your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like iron removal filters or water softeners can help address these concerns.
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 | 82 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 61 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 76 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 80 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 76 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 82 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 90 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 114 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 68 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…