Well Water in Cass County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Cass County contains nitrate, arsenic, and chloride. Nitrate exceeds the EPA's health standard, so well owners should be aware of this concern.

Nitrate comes from fertilizer and septic systems in the soil above. As water seeps down through the ground, it picks up nitrate from agricultural and residential sources. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the rock layers beneath the county, dissolving into groundwater as it moves slowly through.

Groundwater in Cass County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock layers below. As water sits in these rock layers over time, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into wells. Very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.

Nitrate is the contaminant of concern found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across this county. Long-term exposure to elevated nitrate can interfere with how blood carries oxygen throughout the body, and it poses a particular risk to infants and young children. Testing is the only way to know if your specific well has nitrate at a level that needs attention.

Wells in this county have very hard water, which means you will see white, crusty buildup on faucets and fixtures. This hard water can reduce how well soap works and may leave clothes feeling stiff. Over time, the mineral deposits can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your well may have higher or lower nitrate levels than what is common in the county. A basic health screen costs around $50-100 and can check for nitrate and bacteria. If testing shows nitrate is present, treatment options like ion exchange or reverse osmosis can remove it.