Well owners in Traverse County should be aware of radon, manganese, sulfate, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, and iron in their groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern that deserves attention.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. The underlying rocks naturally contain minerals and radioactive elements like radon that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through them over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium, and is notably high in sulfate and sodium. The rock types here release these minerals into the water as it flows underground. Most wells in Traverse County show these hard-water and high-mineral characteristics.
Arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells throughout Traverse County. Arsenic exposure can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in lungs and raises lung cancer risk. Fluoride at high levels can harm bone and dental health. Manganese exposure can affect the nervous system and cause problems with movement and thinking.
Wells in this county have very hard water, which leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. The high mineral content will stain laundry and dishes and can make soap less effective. Water may taste salty or metallic and smell like rotten eggs. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Every well in the county is different--your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. Water softeners, radon removal systems, and point-of-use filters can address different 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 11 | 90% | Low | High | |
| Sulfate | 39 | 62% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 48 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 19 | 37% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 40 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 17 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOA | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 13 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 29 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 6 | — | — | Low | 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.
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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