Groundwater in Koochiching County contains arsenic, iron, manganese, lead, and sulfate at concentrations that exceed EPA health standards. These elevated levels warrant attention and testing for any household relying on a private well.
The bedrock in this area releases these metals naturally into groundwater. Arsenic, iron, and manganese dissolve from the rock layers that hold water beneath the surface. Sulfate and lead also leach from these same geological formations as water moves through them over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below, along with high iron and moderate sulfate. The rock that supplies water to wells here naturally contains these minerals, which dissolve and concentrate as groundwater moves through the formations. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Koochiching County commonly contain arsenic, lead, manganese, and iron at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a toxic metal that can harm organs and increase cancer risk over time. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children and pregnant women. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the brain and nervous system. Iron itself is not a health concern at the levels found here, but it appears alongside other contaminants.
The water in this county is very hard, which causes visible staining from iron on sinks, tubs, and laundry. Hard water also creates scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters, shortening the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and hot water tanks. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water. Soap does not work as well in hard water, making cleaning less effective.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Your well's levels could be higher or lower than what is common in the county--testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like water softeners, iron filters, or activated carbon can address different 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 | 4 | 75% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 31 | 74% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 31 | 55% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 31 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 27 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 31 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 27 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | 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.
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