Lake of the Woods County groundwater contains PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS chemicals along with iron, manganese, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.
PFAS chemicals come from industrial use and disposal, while iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock layers beneath the county. Sulfate also occurs naturally in the local geology. The combination of these sources creates multiple water quality concerns that vary from well to well across the area.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that come from the bedrock. The rock beneath the surface releases these minerals as water flows through it over time. Very hard water is widespread across wells in this county.
Wells in Lake of the Woods County commonly contain iron, manganese, and PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS) at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can cause problems with your blood and brain development over time. PFAS chemicals are industrial compounds that can build up in your body and affect your immune system and liver.
The water in this county is very hard, which creates practical challenges in daily life. You will probably see orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water leaves scale buildup on pipes and appliances, and it makes soap less effective for cleaning. Over time, very hard water can wear out water heaters and dishwashers faster than normal.
Because wells in this county have multiple contaminants that exceed health standards, we recommend a comprehensive panel that tests for metals, minerals, and PFAS chemicals. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. 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 treatment might include water softening or activated carbon filters.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 9 | 78% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFHxS | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 29 | 45% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 30 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 30 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Chloride | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 33 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 18 | — | 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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