Groundwater in Yellow Medicine County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate. Many of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and demand your attention.
Your county's rock contains iron and manganese that dissolve into the water naturally. Arsenic also comes from the bedrock. Nitrate and chloride seep in from farm fertilizers and road salt. PFOA and PFOS enter from industrial sources and contaminated sites.
Your water is very hard, with elevated iron and sulfate driving its character. Iron and sulfate come from the rock layers beneath the county and from mineral-rich groundwater that has moved through those rocks for a long time. These mineral levels are widespread across wells in this area.
Wells in Yellow Medicine County commonly contain arsenic, lead, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure increases cancer risk and can harm organs over time. Lead is especially dangerous for children, affecting brain development and learning. Nitrate poses serious risks to infants and can cause breathing problems. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to health problems including cancer and immune system damage.
The county's water is extremely hard with very high iron and sulfate levels. You will see rust-colored staining on fixtures, laundry, and skin. The water tastes bitter, salty, or metallic. The extreme hardness can wear out water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances faster than normal. Plumbing and fixtures may develop scale buildup that reduces water flow.
Your well is different from others in the county--it could have higher or lower contamination than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems for arsenic and PFOA/PFOS removal, and water softeners or iron filters for mineral 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 66 | 83% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 66 | 77% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 66 | 61% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 18 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 18 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 70 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 66 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 66 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 45 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 51 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 66 | — | 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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