Groundwater in Mahnomen County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, radon, and sulfate, with several of these at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels and require attention from well owners in this area.
These metals and minerals come from the bedrock itself. The local rock layers release iron and manganese naturally as groundwater flows through them over time. Arsenic also occurs naturally in certain rock types in this region. Radon gas seeps into groundwater from radioactive elements in the stone below.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven primarily by elevated calcium and magnesium leached from the bedrock. The local rock dissolves slowly as water percolates downward, adding these hardness minerals to your well water. This very hard water character is widespread across wells throughout Mahnomen County.
Wells in Mahnomen County show arsenic, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Radon is a radioactive gas that can damage your lungs if you breathe it in for years. Iron and manganese in high amounts can harm your brain and nervous system, especially in children. These contaminants present real health concerns for your family.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which causes visible problems in your home. You will see rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Scale builds up inside water heaters and dishwashers, shortening how long they last. Your soap won't lather well, and showers and laundry will feel less clean. These hard water problems are frustrating to deal with every day.
We recommend testing your well for a comprehensive panel that covers all these contaminants, since multiple analytes exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than the county average. 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 runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like arsenic removal systems, radon venting, and water softeners can address these problems once you know your results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 16 | 81% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 22 | 57% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 44% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 8 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 55 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Sodium | 23 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | — | Low | Low |
| E. coli | 1 | 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.
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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