Groundwater in Dodge County contains arsenic, chloride, and e. coli, but contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil. Arsenic occurs naturally in some rock types in this region. Chloride and bacteria can enter groundwater from saltwater moving up from deeper layers or from surface seepage, but the local geology and land use here keep these at low levels.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock below. The moderate hardness is typical for this area's geology. Iron, sodium, and sulfate levels are all low, making the water relatively clean and balanced across most wells in the county.
Good news--wells in Dodge County are not showing any contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and bacteria are present in some county wells at amounts worth paying attention to. Arsenic can build up in your body over time and cause health problems. Chloride and bacteria can make you sick if they get into your water in high amounts.
Wells in this county have moderate hardness, which means you might notice some chalky buildup on your faucets or shower heads over time. Hard water can also make soap less effective and leave spots on dishes. The good news is that iron and sodium levels in county wells run low, so staining and salty taste are not common problems here.
We recommend testing your well to see what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what we see across the county. A basic screening for bacteria and nitrate costs around fifty to one hundred dollars and is a good starting point. Testing is the only way to know what you are dealing with so you can treat your water properly if needed.
| 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 ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | 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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