Groundwater in Norman County contains radon, iron, chloride, manganese, and sulfate. Chloride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate all exceed federal health standards in this county's wells, meaning well owners should test for these contaminants.
The sand and gravel layers beneath Norman County naturally contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as it moves underground. Chloride and sulfate build up in these layers over time from the slow movement of water through the rock. Radon comes from natural breakdown of uranium in the rock above and around the water-bearing layers.
Groundwater in Norman County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium released from the rock formations below. The Lower Cretaceous sand and gravel aquifers here contain minerals that dissolve readily into water, creating this hard water condition throughout the county. Most wells in Norman County show very hard water as a common characteristic.
Wells in Norman County commonly contain chloride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system, especially in children and infants. Chloride and sulfate at high concentrations can cause digestive issues and other health problems for sensitive groups.
The water in this county is very hard, which means you will see white crusty buildup on faucets, showerheads, and fixtures. Hard water leaves spots on dishes and glassware and makes soap less effective for cleaning. You may notice staining from iron in sinks and tubs. Very hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs to be treated and how to protect your family. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like water softeners, iron filters, or radon systems can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 5 | 60% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 52 | 55% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 5 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 5 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 65 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFNA | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 10 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Sodium | 47 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 17 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| 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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