Groundwater in Stearns County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, chloride, lead, nitrite, and PFOA and PFOS compounds that have been detected at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants--particularly arsenic, iron, manganese, lead, and nitrite--reach concerning concentrations in your county's wells.
These contaminants come from different sources. Arsenic, iron, and manganese occur naturally in the rock and soil layers beneath the county and dissolve into groundwater as it moves through them. Nitrite, chloride, and PFOA/PFOS enter the water through human activities like agriculture, road salt use, and industrial or municipal discharge. The local rock type supports conditions that allow these substances to persist and accumulate in your groundwater.
Groundwater in Stearns County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock below. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout the county. Iron is present at moderate levels and adds to the mineral character of the water you draw from your well.
Wells in Stearns County contain several contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, lead, and nitrite can damage your kidneys and nervous system with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to cancer and immune system problems. Chloride, manganese, and sulfate at high levels also pose health concerns for you and your family.
The very hard water in county wells causes visible problems around your home. You will see rust stains on fixtures and laundry from iron buildup. Scale accumulates inside pipes and appliances, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Hard water makes soap less effective and can leave spots on dishes.
We recommend testing your well as soon as possible since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Water softeners, carbon filters, and reverse osmosis systems can address different contaminants depending on what your test shows.
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 | 9 | 62% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 112 | 44% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 85 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 79 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrite | 55 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 29 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 29 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 88 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 42 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 25 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 76 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 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 ⓘ |
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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