Well Water in Charlevoix County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Charlevoix County contains PFOA, PFBS, and PFHXS--synthetic chemicals from industrial sources and consumer products. These contaminant levels are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.

These chemicals enter groundwater through leaks at manufacturing sites, landfills, and airports, or from contaminated soil and surface water seeping down to the water table. The local rock and soil layers allow some downward movement of water, which can carry these persistent chemicals toward wells.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, primarily from calcium and magnesium dissolved from the underlying limestone and dolomite rock. As water moves through cracks and spaces in this dense bedrock, it picks up these minerals that give the water its character. Moderately hard water is common across most wells in Charlevoix County.

Good news--testing in Charlevoix County has not found contaminants exceeding EPA health standards in well water. However, PFOA and related "forever chemicals" are present in some county wells at levels below current federal limits. These chemicals can accumulate in your body over time and may affect your immune system, liver, or cholesterol levels with long-term exposure. Because these substances break down very slowly in the environment and in your body, ongoing exposure is a concern worth monitoring.

Wells in this county sometimes show iron and sediment, which can cause orange or rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic or earthy taste in your water, or see buildup on faucet screens. While these aesthetic issues don't pose immediate health risks, they can be frustrating and affect your daily water use.

We recommend testing your well water to know what is actually in it, since 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 understand what treatment, if any, your specific well needs. A basic health screen runs $50-100, while a more comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs $200-400. If testing shows iron or sediment, an iron filter or sediment filter can help remove these materials.