Groundwater in Freeborn County contains iron, arsenic, manganese, lead, chloride, sulfate, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS compounds). Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels in this county's wells.
The limestone bedrock beneath Freeborn County naturally releases iron, arsenic, and manganese into groundwater as water moves through the rock over time. Lead and PFAS compounds enter from human sources--plumbing materials, industrial use, and land application of treated wastewater or firefighting foam. Chloride and sulfate come from road salt, fertilizers, and the slow dissolving of minerals in the limestone.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below, and also contains very high iron. These minerals concentrate here because water moving through limestone naturally picks up calcium and magnesium, while iron leaches from the rock layers. Very hard water and high iron are widespread across wells throughout Freeborn County.
Arsenic, lead, and several other contaminants exceed EPA health standards in wells across Freeborn County. Arsenic is toxic and can damage your kidneys, heart, and nerves over time. Lead harms children's brain development and causes learning problems. Chloride, sulfate, iron, and manganese also exceed standards in some county wells and pose health concerns at elevated levels. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can affect your immune system and liver.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice white scale buildup inside pipes and appliances. Hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap becomes less effective, and you might detect a metallic or musty taste.
Testing your well is the only way to know what contaminants are actually in your water. Your well could have much higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and contaminants panel, which typically costs $200-400. Water softeners and filters like reverse osmosis can address hardness and multiple contaminants once you know what needs treatment.
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 | 32 | 88% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 17 | 59% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 30 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 25% | Low | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 18% | Low | High | |
| Lead | 18 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 30 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 43 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 14 | — | Low | 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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