Groundwater in Polk County contains iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should monitor.
Iron and manganese come from the rock layers beneath the county where groundwater naturally dissolves these metals as it moves through the aquifer. The Lower Cretaceous rocks in this area release these elements into the water over time.
Groundwater in Polk County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock formations below. The same rock that releases iron and manganese also contributes minerals that make the water hard. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county.
Wells in Polk County commonly have iron and manganese above EPA health standards. Iron can cause problems with your blood and organs if you drink too much over time. Manganese can harm your brain and nervous system, especially in children. Sulfate levels in county wells also exceed health limits and can cause digestive issues.
The water in this county is very hard, which causes real problems at home. You will see rust-colored stains on your sinks, tubs, and laundry. Hard water creates scale buildup in pipes and appliances that shortens the life of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water.
We recommend you get your well tested right away to find out what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will tell you exactly what you are dealing with. Iron and manganese removal systems and water softening can address these problems.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 95 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 8 | 29% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 87 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 16 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 67 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 25 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 5 | — | 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 →Loading recent water news…