Groundwater in Dodge County contains nitrate, iron, radon, arsenic, and lead. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so well owners should test their water and take action if needed.
These contaminants come from different sources. Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizer and manure spread on farmland. Iron and radon occur naturally in the limestone and rock layers underground. Arsenic and lead can come from natural deposits in the rock or from old plumbing materials in wells and homes.
Groundwater in Dodge County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock below. The limestone dissolves slowly as water passes through it, releasing these minerals into your well. Very hard water is the rule across most wells in this county because of the carbonate rock underneath.
Wells in Dodge County are showing arsenic, lead, nitrate, and radon above EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead can build up in your body over time and cause serious health problems including cancer and nerve damage. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can prevent their blood from carrying oxygen properly. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over years.
The water in this county is very hard, which means you will see white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap less effective and can leave spots on dishes and glasses. The high iron content causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. This extreme hardness also wears out water heaters and dishwashers faster than normal.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive water quality panel that covers all the main concerns. Testing costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treating these issues might involve a combination approach like a whole-house filter for metals and a radon removal system.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 25 | 54% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 7 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 41 | 15% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 14 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 32 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 9 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…