Groundwater in Newaygo County contains iron, manganese, and PFOA. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, while PFOA at detected levels represents a serious concern requiring immediate attention.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the mixed rock layers beneath this county as groundwater sits in low-oxygen conditions underground. PFOA enters groundwater through industrial contamination or disposal sites and persists in the environment. These contaminants concentrate where water moves slowly through the subsurface materials.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the bedrock below. The hard water results from minerals dissolving as groundwater moves through limestone and mixed rock layers over time. Very hard water and elevated iron are common characteristics found across wells in this county.
Wells in Newaygo County commonly contain iron, manganese, and PFOA at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Long-term exposure to elevated manganese can harm brain development and nervous system function, particularly in infants and children. Iron at high concentrations poses health concerns with repeated exposure. PFOA is a persistent chemical linked to serious health effects including kidney and liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system effects.
Beyond health risks, the extremely hard water in this county causes significant quality-of-life issues. Iron stains sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and laundry orange and brown. Hard water leaves crusty white scale buildup on fixtures, faucets, and inside pipes. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You may notice a metallic taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, 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 know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Iron removal systems or 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 | 9 | 56% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 9 | 22% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 9 | — | 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…