Swift County groundwater contains arsenic, iron, manganese, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Sulfate is also present at moderate levels, adding to the overall contamination picture in this area.
These contaminants come from the rock beneath the county. The bedrock naturally releases arsenic, iron, and manganese as water moves through it over time. PFOA is an industrial chemical that enters groundwater from human activity on the land above. Sulfate also accumulates from the local rock formations.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the underlying rock. The same rock that produces this hardness also releases iron and manganese into the water. Very high iron and elevated manganese are widespread across wells in Swift County, making these mineral characteristics common throughout the area.
Wells in Swift County commonly contain arsenic, iron, manganese, and PFOA at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can increase cancer risk and damage organs with long-term exposure. Manganese affects the nervous system in children and adults. Iron and PFOA also pose health concerns at elevated levels.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which causes stubborn rust and orange staining on fixtures and laundry. Hard water makes soap work poorly and reduces water heater and dishwasher lifespan. Some wells have a metallic or sulfur taste from the high mineral content.
We recommend a comprehensive water test since your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or specialized filtration systems can address multiple contaminants.
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 | 59 | 92% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 58 | 83% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 68 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFNA | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 97 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 58 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 31 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 32 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 57 | — | 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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