Groundwater in Goodhue County contains iron, manganese, arsenic, lead, nitrate, chloride, and PFOA and PFOS. Multiple contaminants in your county's wells exceed EPA health standards and demand attention.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese are natural metals released as water moves through the limestone rock below. Arsenic, lead, nitrate, chloride, and the PFOA and PFOS chemicals enter from land use--fertilizer, septic systems, and past industrial or firefighting activities seeping down into the groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock. As water slowly dissolves the limestone, these minerals accumulate in your well water. Very hard water is the rule across Goodhue County wells.
Goodhue County well water shows arsenic, lead, nitrate, chloride, and PFOA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can increase cancer risk and damage organs with long-term exposure. Lead harms children's brain development and nervous system function. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants. Chloride and PFOA and PFOS are also health concerns at elevated levels.
The county's very hard water leaves white scale buildup on fixtures and pipes. It shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Hard water makes soap and shampoo less effective for cleaning. You may notice a metallic taste or staining on laundry and dishes from the moderate iron levels present.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to test your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what contaminants are actually in your water so proper treatment can be put in place. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options include water softeners for hardness and activated carbon filters for certain 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 239 | 36% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 228 | 29% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 21 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 284 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 56 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 55 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 256 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 246 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 218 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 233 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 180 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 233 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 100 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | 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.
* 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.
Loading recent water news…