Groundwater in Cass County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, PFOA, and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the Lower Cretaceous rock layer that supplies water to the county. Arsenic also occurs naturally in this same bedrock. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have entered groundwater through industrial activity and contaminated sites, traveling through the soil into the aquifer.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the underlying rock. High iron levels also stand out as a notable characteristic. As water moves slowly through the rock layers below, it dissolves these minerals. Very hard water and elevated iron are widespread across wells throughout Cass County.
Arsenic, iron, manganese, and PFOA and PFOS are found in wells across Cass County at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can cause serious organ damage. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect how your body processes oxygen and nutrients. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have been linked to health concerns including immune system effects and thyroid problems.
Wells in this county have very hard water, which causes scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers. This hard water can shorten the lifespan of appliances. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste from the elevated iron, and it can stain sinks, toilets, and laundry.
Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in county wells, we recommend a comprehensive water test that checks for metals, minerals, and PFOA and PFOS. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county, so testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water and how to treat it properly. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can address these concerns.
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 | 305 | 58% | High | High | |
| Iron | 321 | 41% | High | High | |
| PFOA | 34 | 26% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS | 29 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 251 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 323 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 231 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 251 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 323 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 326 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 86 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 75 | — | Moderate | 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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