Well Water in Ontonagon County: What to Test and Why

Iron, manganese, and arsenic are present in Ontonagon County groundwater. Iron and manganese exceed federal drinking water standards at concerning levels.

The Jacobsville aquifer is made of sandstone and other rock layers that naturally contain iron and manganese minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through these rocks over time, iron and manganese dissolve into the water. Arsenic also occurs naturally in trace amounts within these same rock layers.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by elevated iron and moderate sodium. Iron concentrations here are very high, and these minerals dissolve naturally as water seeps through the sandstone layers. Elevated iron is common across wells in this county.

Groundwater in Ontonagon County commonly contains iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Long-term exposure to elevated iron can affect your blood and organs. Manganese at high levels can harm your brain and nervous system, especially in children and infants. Both of these metals seep into well water naturally from the bedrock beneath the county.

Wells in this county produce water with noticeable mineral content. Iron at these levels causes rust-colored or orange staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry that is difficult to remove. You may also notice a metallic taste in your water. The moderately hard water can leave scale buildup on pipes and fixtures and may shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Every well is different, and your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. Iron removal systems and water softeners can help address these concerns.