Groundwater in Steele County contains iron, manganese, arsenic, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should know about and address.
The limestone bedrock beneath this county naturally releases iron and manganese as water slowly dissolves the rock over time. Arsenic and lead also come from the limestone and surrounding rock layers, where they occur as natural minerals. This combination of natural release from rock and soil conditions makes these metals common in the county's water supply.
Groundwater in Steele County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below, and also contains very high iron levels that add to the water's mineral load. The limestone aquifer here naturally produces these minerals as acidic water passes through it year after year. Most wells in this county show these same hard water and elevated iron characteristics.
Wells in Steele County commonly contain arsenic, lead, manganese, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Lead harms children's brain development and learning ability. Manganese can affect nervous system function. Iron at high levels in drinking water poses health concerns with long-term exposure.
The very hard water in county wells creates real problems for daily life. You will see orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. White crusty buildup forms on faucets and shower heads. This extreme hardness shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can reduce hardness, and specific filters or treatment systems address arsenic and lead.
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 | 127 | 96% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 112 | 55% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 106 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 106 | 1% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 122 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 127 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 122 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Hardness | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 11 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 122 | — | High | 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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