Groundwater in Red Lake County contains iron, manganese, and arsenic as the main contaminants well owners should be aware of. Iron and manganese reach concerning levels, while arsenic and sulfate also exceed EPA health standards in this county's water.
The bedrock beneath Red Lake County releases these metals naturally into the groundwater. The Lower Cretaceous rock layers here contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve as water moves through the ground. Arsenic also occurs naturally in these same rock formations. This is a common pattern across the region, affecting neighboring counties as well.
Groundwater in Red Lake County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rocks below, and also carries significant iron that adds to the mineral load. The combination of very hard water with high iron comes from the chemistry of the Lower Cretaceous bedrock, where these minerals dissolve readily into groundwater. Most wells in this county show these same mineral characteristics.
Wells in Red Lake County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, iron, and manganese. Arsenic is a poison that can damage your organs and increase cancer risk, even at low levels over time. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can cause problems with your nervous system and brain development, especially in children and babies. These metals come from natural rock layers underground where your well draws water.
The very hard water in this county creates visible and annoying problems in your home. You will see rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry from iron buildup. Hard water leaves white scale deposits inside pipes and on faucets, and it shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You might notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your drinking water.
We recommend getting your well tested to find out exactly what is in your water. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county, so testing is the only way to know. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and will tell you if treatment is needed. Iron and manganese removal systems, along with arsenic treatment, 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 18 | 67% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 18 | 56% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 19 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| pH | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 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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