Well Water in Lac qui Parle County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lac qui Parle County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants--including lead, arsenic, and manganese--reach concerning levels that well owners need to address.

These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. The underlying rocks naturally release minerals like iron, manganese, and sulfate into groundwater as water moves through them over time. Lead and arsenic can also come from natural rock sources or from old wells and pipes. Chloride builds up from road salt and other human sources.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, with very high sulfate and high sodium as the main minerals driving this character. The rock underneath naturally contains sulfate minerals and salt deposits that dissolve into water passing through. These mineral levels are widespread across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Lac qui Parle County have been found with arsenic, lead, manganese, chloride, iron, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are particularly serious because they can build up in your body over time and cause damage to your organs, bones, and nervous system. Manganese at high levels can affect brain development in children and cause neurological problems in adults. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels add extra strain on your kidneys and heart, especially for people with certain health conditions.

The very hard water and high mineral content in county wells causes real problems at home. You will likely see rust stains on sinks and laundry, white crusty buildup on faucets and inside pipes, and a salty or bitter taste in your water. The extremely hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines because minerals damage the equipment over time. Many wells here also produce water with a rotten egg smell from sulfate.

We recommend getting your well tested right away with a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, and bacteria. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what we see across the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and will tell you what you need to fix.