Groundwater in Aitkin County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, lead, and PFHXS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. The Lower Cretaceous aquifers here naturally release manganese and iron into groundwater as water moves through the rock. Arsenic and lead can leach from rock minerals, while PFHXS may come from industrial or commercial activities on the land surface.
Groundwater in this county is soft but notably high in iron. Iron concentrates in this water because the rock formations naturally contain iron minerals that dissolve as groundwater flows through them. Elevated iron is widespread across wells throughout Aitkin County.
Wells in Aitkin County commonly have arsenic, lead, and PFHXS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can damage organs and increase cancer risk. Lead harms children's brains and development, even at low amounts. PFHXS is a forever chemical that stays in your body and blood, and exposure has been linked to health problems including liver damage and immune system effects.
Iron in county wells creates orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste in the water or rust-colored discoloration when you turn on the tap. High iron can clog pipes and fixtures over time. The good news is that wells here are naturally soft, so you won't deal with scale buildup or the extra soap scum that comes with hard water.
We recommend a comprehensive water test for your well because multiple health concerns show up in this county. Every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common here. Testing is the only way to know what you're actually drinking and what treatment will work for your family. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can remove many of these contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFHxS | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 10 | 100% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 80 | 62% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 38 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 46 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 61 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 69 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 44 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 56 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 13 | — | — | Low | Low |
| PFBS | 3 | — | 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.
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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