Groundwater in Dodge County contains arsenic, chloride, and e coli bacteria. Contaminant levels in this county are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
The rock layers beneath Dodge County naturally contain arsenic and chloride, which dissolve slowly into groundwater as water moves through the soil and stone. Bacteria like e coli can enter groundwater through cracks in well casings or contamination near the surface, though this is less common in deeper wells that are properly sealed. The local geology here does not promote heavy buildup of these contaminants, keeping overall levels down.
Groundwater in Dodge County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the rock below. As water sits in contact with the underground rock, these minerals dissolve gradually into the water. This moderate hardness is common across wells throughout the county.
Good news: county wells in Dodge County do not show contaminants exceeding EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and E. coli bacteria do occur in groundwater here. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart or kidney problems. E. coli bacteria cause stomach illness and other infections.
County wells tend to be moderately hard, which means you may notice scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes, or see spots on dishes after washing. Hard water reduces how well soap lathers and can leave a chalky residue on skin and hair. Over time, scale can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Iron and sodium levels in the county are low, so staining and salty taste are not common concerns here.
Your well could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is typical in the county. We recommend having your well tested to find out what is actually in your water and whether treatment is needed. A basic screening for bacteria and nitrate costs around fifty to one hundred dollars. Depending on test results, options like disinfection systems or water softeners can address specific issues.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | 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.
* 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.
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