Groundwater in Brown County contains iron, manganese, nitrate, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present in concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant attention.
Iron and manganese come from the rock underneath this county. As water moves through these rocks over time, it dissolves these metals and carries them into wells. Nitrate and fluoride also seep in from the rocks themselves and from activities on the land above, like farming and septic systems.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The rocks here naturally contain minerals that dissolve into the water as it filters down. Very hard water is common across wells throughout Brown County.
Wells in Brown County commonly have fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride exposure over time can affect bone and dental health, especially in children. Iron and manganese at high levels can cause nervous system problems with long-term exposure. Nitrate is a particular concern for infants and pregnant women, as it interferes with how blood carries oxygen.
The very hard water in county wells creates practical challenges for everyday life. Hard water leaves stubborn stains on fixtures, dishes, and laundry. It builds up scale inside pipes and appliances, and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The water may taste slightly salty or bitter, and some people notice a metallic smell or taste from the iron and manganese.
We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours could have much higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment in your specific situation. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like sediment filters, water softeners, or specialized filtration can address these concerns once you know your levels.
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 | 41 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 26 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 889 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 13 | — | Low | Safe | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | 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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