Groundwater in Grant County contains arsenic, manganese, iron, lead, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
The rock beneath Grant County naturally releases arsenic, iron, and manganese into the water as it moves through the ground. Chloride and sulfate accumulate from the same natural rock sources. Lead can enter from pipes and plumbing in older wells. PFOA, an industrial chemical, may have entered groundwater through localized contamination.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the underlying rock. Iron concentration is very high and sulfate is very high, adding to the mineral load. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county.
Wells in Grant County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, lead, manganese, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can damage multiple organs and increase cancer risk. Lead is particularly harmful to children's brain development and learning. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system. PFOA is an industrial chemical linked to serious health effects including liver damage and thyroid problems.
Wells in this county are extremely hard, which causes white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron at very high levels leaves reddish-brown stains on laundry, sinks, and bathtubs. The combination of high sulfate and minerals gives water an unpleasant taste and odor. Extremely hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check all the concerning contaminants. Water softeners can help with hardness, while reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters address specific 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 14 | 93% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 35 | 89% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 33 | 82% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA | 4 | 75% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 51 | 65% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 14 | 14% | Low | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 58 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 28 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 36 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 33 | — | 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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