Groundwater in Calumet County contains chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough to warrant attention from well owners.
These contaminants come from two sources working together. The deep rock beneath the county naturally contains iron, manganese, and sulfate that dissolve into water as it moves slowly through the stone. Chloride and nitrate enter from human activities on the land surface, including road salt applied in winter and fertilizer or septic seepage from farms and homes.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and sandstone rock below. As water sits in contact with this rock over time, these minerals dissolve and concentrate. Very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.
Calumet County wells commonly contain chloride, nitrate, manganese, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated levels can increase blood pressure and cause problems for people watching their salt intake. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and pregnant women, as it can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Manganese in drinking water can affect the nervous system with long-term exposure.
The county has very hard water, which creates white, crusty scale buildup on pipes and fixtures. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You may notice spots on dishes after washing or feel stiff residue on your skin and hair. Iron in county wells leaves orange-brown staining on sinks, bathtubs, and laundry that is difficult to remove.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to know exactly what is in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive test typically costs $200 to $400. Water softeners can reduce hardness, and iron filters or reverse osmosis systems address other 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 55 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 54 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 55 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 55 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 43 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 48 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 39 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 59 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 58 | — | 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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