Anoka County groundwater contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, and PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, PFNA). Multiple contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making this a serious concern for well owners.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron, manganese, arsenic, and sulfate dissolve naturally from the mixed rock beneath the county as water moves slowly underground. Nitrate, nitrite, chloride, and PFAS chemicals enter from human activities--fertilizer use, road salt, and industrial or firefighting foam--that soak down into the groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The moderate iron level adds to this mineral signature. Hard water with moderate iron is widespread across wells in Anoka County.
Wells in Anoka County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, nitrate, nitrite, and several PFAS chemicals including PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS. Arsenic and lead are poisons that build up in your body over time and damage organs and the nervous system, especially in children. Nitrate and nitrite can interfere with oxygen in your blood. PFAS chemicals accumulate in your body and are linked to serious health problems including cancer, liver damage, and immune system harm.
The water in county wells is very hard, which causes white, chalky scale buildup on faucets, in pipes, and on dishes. Hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste, and soap and shampoo don't work as well. Iron in the water stains clothes, sinks, and toilets with rust-colored marks.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals, minerals, and PFAS panel--the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Every well is different, and your well's levels may be higher or lower than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include whole-house filters, water softeners, and iron removal systems.
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 | 683 | 49% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 649 | 41% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 491 | 39% | High | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 322 | 29% | High | High | |
| Iron | 851 | 28% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 604 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 964 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 314 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 843 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 242 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 175 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 604 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 433 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 125 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 161 | 0% | High | Low | |
| pH | 331 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 334 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 173 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 788 | — | 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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