Groundwater in Brown County contains manganese, PFOA, and arsenic that well owners should know about. Manganese and PFOA exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. Manganese and arsenic dissolve naturally from minerals in the bedrock as groundwater sits in contact with it over time. PFOA is a synthetic chemical that has contaminated some wells through land-use activities.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite rock below. The same rock that creates hardness also releases manganese into the water. Hard water is common across wells in Brown County.
Wells in Brown County commonly contain manganese and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can harm brain development in children and affect nervous system function in adults. PFOA is a synthetic chemical linked to health problems including kidney disease, thyroid disease, and immune system effects.
Hard water is common in Brown County wells, which can leave white crusty buildup on pipes and fixtures. The hardness can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water from the mineral content.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. Because multiple contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like a water softener combined with activated carbon filtration can address these 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 | 19 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Iron | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| 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.
* 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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