Groundwater in Faribault County contains arsenic, iron, manganese, nitrate, and the human-made chemicals pfhxs and pfoa and pfos. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners.
These contaminants come from two sources. The limestone bedrock naturally releases iron and manganese as water moves through it over time. Nitrate, arsenic, and the pfhxs and pfos chemicals enter from the land surface--nitrate from fertilizers and manure, and the pfos and pfhxs from industrial use and products that have seeped down into the water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone, and also contains very high iron from the same rock layers. The limestone dissolves slowly as water passes through it, releasing these minerals into wells across the county. Most wells here show these mineral characteristics.
Wells in Faribault County show arsenic, nitrate, and human-made chemicals called PFOA and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Nitrate is especially harmful to infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that build up in your body and can affect your liver, thyroid, and immune system.
The county's wells are very hard, which causes practical problems in your home. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. It stains laundry, sinks, and tubs with orange or brown marks from high iron. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in the water.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, and chemicals costs between $200 and $400 and will show you exactly what needs treatment. Water softeners can reduce hardness, and other systems can address specific contaminants like arsenic or chemicals.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 45 | 98% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 40 | 80% | Moderate | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 43 | 26% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 33 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 20 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 41 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 19 | — | 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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