Well Water in Clearwater County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Clearwater County contains manganese, arsenic, radon, iron, and lead that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at levels serious enough that well owners need to test their water and consider treatment.

The rock underneath this county naturally contains metals like manganese, arsenic, and iron that dissolve into groundwater over time. Radon comes from the breakdown of radioactive minerals in the rock. These contaminants are not from pollution or land use--they come straight from the geology beneath your well.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below. The moderate iron levels add to the mineral content of the water. These characteristics show up in most wells across the county because the rock that supplies the water is the same everywhere.

Wells in Clearwater County commonly contain arsenic, lead, radon, iron, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead can build up in your body over time and cause serious health problems like cancer, heart disease, and nerve damage. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in. Iron and manganese at high levels can also affect your health if you drink the water regularly.

The hard water in this county's wells leaves stubborn stains on fixtures, dishes, and laundry. You'll notice scale buildup inside pipes and appliances that can shorten the lifespan of your water heater and dishwasher. Hard water makes it harder for soap to work, so you use more of it for cleaning and bathing.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what's in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will tell you what contaminants are actually present. Once you know what you're dealing with, options like carbon filters, ion exchange softeners, or radon mitigation systems can address your specific concerns.