Groundwater in Bayfield County contains radon, iron, and manganese that well owners should know about. These contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
The rock underneath this county naturally contains uranium and minerals that release iron and manganese as water moves slowly through it. Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium in the bedrock. These elements dissolve into the water over time as it seeps downward through the layers below.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with iron at moderate levels being the main mineral character. Iron concentrates here because water passing through the rock picks it up naturally. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Chloride, iron, manganese, and radon are found at concerning levels in wells across Bayfield County. Chloride at elevated levels can damage pipes and affect people with heart conditions or high blood pressure. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and increases the risk of lung cancer over time with long-term exposure. Iron and manganese can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children, when consumed regularly at high levels.
The good news is that water in this county is soft, so you will not see heavy scale buildup on your fixtures or inside pipes. However, iron in county well water can leave reddish or brown stains on sinks and toilets and create a metallic taste. Manganese can also cause staining and a bitter or metallic flavor.
Your well is unique, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which usually costs between $200 and $400. Aeration systems and activated carbon filters can help address several of 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 542 | 15% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 542 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 541 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 534 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 532 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 294 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 337 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 535 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 782 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | Safe | |
| Hardness | 540 | — | High | 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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