Groundwater in Allegan County contains iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron also appears alongside these contaminants at elevated concentrations that warrant attention.
These metals dissolve naturally from the rock layers that make up the Marshall aquifer in this area. As groundwater moves slowly through these mixed rock formations in low-oxygen conditions deep underground, iron and manganese leach out and accumulate in the water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. Iron contributes additional mineral character at high levels. Very hard water and high iron are common across wells in Allegan County.
Iron and manganese are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Allegan County. Iron can cause digestive problems and may harm organs over time with long-term exposure. Manganese is especially risky for infants and young children, as it can affect brain development and nervous system function at elevated levels.
Wells in this county have extremely hard water, which means mineral buildup will accumulate quickly inside pipes, faucets, and appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. You may notice orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or bitter.
We recommend testing your well because 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 water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Iron removal systems or whole-house 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 | 7 | 71% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 7 | 29% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
Loading recent water news…