Groundwater in Blue Earth County contains manganese, PFOS, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should monitor and address.
Manganese comes from the deep rock layers beneath the county, where minerals naturally dissolve into groundwater over time. PFOS is a human-made chemical that enters water from industrial sites and certain products that have been disposed of on land. Sulfate also occurs naturally in the rock and can be concentrated by land activities like road salt application and agricultural practices.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolving from the limestone and other rock layers below. These minerals are abundant in the deep aquifer system here and concentrate as water slowly moves through the rocks. Very high hardness is widespread across wells throughout Blue Earth County.
Wells in Blue Earth County show three contaminants that exceed EPA health standards: manganese, PFOS, and sulfate. Manganese at high levels can affect the nervous system and cause problems with movement and learning, especially in children. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body over time and can harm your immune system and liver. Sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive issues for some people.
The county's water is very hard, which creates visible problems around your home. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It can make it difficult to get soap to lather and may leave spots on dishes and glassware. Very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by building up mineral deposits inside them.
We recommend testing your well because 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 is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and chemicals typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on what testing shows, treatment options can include filtration systems or 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 | 3 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 64% | Low | High | |
| Sulfate | 89 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Iron | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 65 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 29 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 55 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 15 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Safe |
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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