Lead shows up in this county's groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards, and well owners should be aware of it. Arsenic and chloride are also present, though at lower levels that do not exceed federal limits.
Lead enters groundwater through corrosion of old pipes and fixtures in wells and plumbing systems, a problem that worsens in slightly acidic water. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the rock formations here, released slowly as groundwater moves through the Marshall aquifer.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and carbonate-rich layers beneath the surface. These minerals dissolve into the water as it passes through the rock over long periods. Hard water is widespread across wells in Alcona County.
Lead exceeds EPA health standards in wells across this county. Lead is a serious concern for children and pregnant women because it harms brain development and learning. Even low levels of lead exposure over time can damage your kidneys and raise your blood pressure. Lead in drinking water comes from pipes and fixtures in your home's plumbing system, not from the ground itself.
Wells in this county also contain arsenic and chloride at levels worth monitoring. Very hard water is common here, which means you may see white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes and appliances. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You might also notice that soap doesn't lather as well as it should.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it. 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 needs to be treated. A basic health screen for bacteria and nitrate runs about fifty to one hundred dollars. A comprehensive metals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and can check for lead, arsenic, and other metals.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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