Groundwater in Dickinson County contains manganese, iron, nitrate, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These elevated concentrations represent a serious concern that requires attention.
The mixed rock layers beneath this county naturally contain iron and manganese. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in these rocks, iron and manganese dissolve into the water over time. Nitrate enters from fertilizer and septic systems in the soil above, seeping down to reach the groundwater below.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the bedrock below. The same rock formations that release iron and manganese also contribute to the high hardness levels. Very hard water is common across wells in this county.
Wells in Dickinson County commonly have fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage tooth enamel during childhood tooth development. Iron and manganese are metals that build up in your body over time and can affect how your organs work. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which causes white, chalky scale to build up on pipes, faucets, and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers. This scale can shorten the lifespan of these appliances. The high iron content leaves orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may also notice a metallic taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and your water 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 well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like aeration systems and water softeners can 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 39 | 67% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 39 | 49% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 43 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 41 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 40 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 39 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 39 | — | Moderate | 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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