Groundwater in Kalamazoo County contains manganese, iron, nitrate, arsenic, chloride, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These are serious contaminants that warrant testing and treatment.
These metals and minerals dissolve naturally from the rock layers beneath the county. The Marshall aquifer and surrounding rocks contain iron and manganese that release into groundwater in low-oxygen conditions underground. Nitrate likely comes from agricultural activity and septic systems in the area. Arsenic occurs naturally in certain rock formations. Chloride enters from road salt applied to highways and soaks down into the water supply.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other rocks below. The same rock layers that release iron and manganese also concentrate hardness minerals as water moves slowly through them. Very hard water is common across wells in Kalamazoo County.
Wells in Kalamazoo County commonly have arsenic, chloride, nitrate, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is colorless and has no taste or smell, but long-term exposure can increase the risk of cancer and harm the heart, kidneys, and nerves. Chloride at elevated levels can raise blood pressure in some people. Nitrate poses risks to infants and can affect how the body uses oxygen. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in the body over time and may weaken the immune system.
Wells in this county show very hard water along with high iron. Hard water leaves white, crusty buildup on faucets and fixtures and makes soap less effective. The high iron causes rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. This extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well because 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. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or ion exchange 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 | 84 | 64% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 89 | 63% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 107 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 56 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 115 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 56 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 117 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 90 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 53 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 90 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 215 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 56 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 114 | — | High | 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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