Chisago County groundwater contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, lead, and sulfate at levels that exceed health standards set by the EPA. These contaminants warrant testing and attention from well owners in this county.
The rock beneath Chisago County naturally contains radioactive elements that release radon, and minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the rock layers. Iron and manganese come from the minerals in these rocks, while arsenic and lead also occur naturally in the geology here. Sulfate levels reflect the mineral composition of the aquifer.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The mixed rock types underlying the area create conditions where these minerals dissolve into the water as it flows through. Hardness and high iron are widespread characteristics across wells in Chisago County.
Wells in Chisago County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, radon, and manganese. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over years and can cause cancer and skin damage. Lead damages children's brains and nervous systems, affecting learning and development. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over time. Manganese at high levels can harm how the brain works and affect child development.
The hard water in county wells leaves white scale buildup on faucets, fixtures, and inside pipes. Iron stains clothes, sinks, and toilets with rust-colored marks that are hard to remove. Hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers because scale clogs them up. You may notice a metallic taste from the iron or rotten-egg odor from sulfur.
Your well could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and radon panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Activated carbon filters, ion exchange softeners, and radon aeration systems can address different 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 48 | 73% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 68 | 52% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 24 | 30% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 30 | 21% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 70 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 75 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 63 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 22 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 36 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 11 | — | — | Low | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 22 | — | Moderate | 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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