Well Water in Douglas County: What to Test and Why

Iron, manganese, and chloride are present in Douglas County's groundwater. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

The underlying rock in this area naturally contains iron and manganese. As water moves slowly through the rock layers, it dissolves these metals. Chloride comes from road salt and other surface sources that seep down into the groundwater over time.

Groundwater in this county is soft with notably elevated iron. Water passing through iron-bearing rock dissolves the metal as it flows underground. High iron levels are common across wells throughout Douglas County.

Wells in Douglas County contain chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with high blood pressure or heart conditions. Manganese exposure over time can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Iron and sulfate at high levels can damage organs with long-term exposure.

Iron in county well water causes orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You might notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water. These minerals can also clog pipes and reduce water flow over time. The good news is that Douglas County's water is soft, so you won't see heavy scale buildup on appliances.

We recommend testing your well water for a comprehensive metals panel to find out exactly what you're dealing with. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be treated properly. A comprehensive metals panel typically costs $200-400, and treatment options like iron removal systems or aeration can address these concerns.