Groundwater in Becker County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, lead, nitrate, PFOA, and sulfate at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious and require your attention.
The rock beneath this county naturally releases iron, manganese, and arsenic into groundwater as water moves through it over time. Nitrate enters from agricultural and septic sources on the land above. PFOA is a human-made chemical that has contaminated some wells through industrial or other uses.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below, along with very high iron that adds to the water's mineral load. The Lower Cretaceous rocks here dissolve slowly as groundwater passes through them, releasing these minerals into the water. Very hard water with high iron is the dominant character across wells in this county.
Wells in Becker County commonly contain arsenic, lead, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is toxic and builds up in your body over time, raising your risk of cancer and organ damage. Lead harms children's brain development and learning. Nitrate is dangerous for infants and can affect oxygen in the blood. PFOA is a human-made chemical linked to serious health problems. Manganese at high levels can affect your nervous system and brain function.
The water in this county is very hard, which causes visible problems around your home. Iron leaves rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Scale builds up inside water heaters, pipes, and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste. Hard water makes soap work poorly and leaves spots on dishes and glasses.
Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards, we recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out what is actually in your well--costs typically run two hundred to four hundred dollars. Every well is different, and your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know for certain what needs treatment. Treatment options include arsenic removal systems, lead filters, and water softeners.
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 | 161 | 84% | High | High | |
| Iron | 179 | 83% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 124 | 34% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 29 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 82 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 198 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 128 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 175 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 223 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 46 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 99 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 57 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 185 | — | 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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