Well Water in Green Lake County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Green Lake County contains manganese, iron, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are notable and warrant attention from well owners.

Manganese and iron dissolve naturally from the rock layers deep beneath the county. Nitrate enters groundwater from agricultural practices and septic systems in the area, seeping down through the soil into the aquifer below.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone rock below. As water moves slowly through these deep limestone layers, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into wells. Very hard water is common across wells throughout Green Lake County.

Wells in Green Lake County commonly contain iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can cause problems with your blood and organs if you drink water with too much of them over a long time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and pregnant women, and it can interfere with how blood carries oxygen through the body.

The county has very hard water, which means white, chalky scale builds up inside pipes, on faucets, and in appliances like water heaters and dishwashers. This scale can shorten how long these appliances last. You might also notice rust-colored stains on clothes, sinks, and fixtures from the iron. Hard water also makes soap less effective, so cleaning becomes harder.

We recommend testing your well water, 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 well so it can be treated properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal systems and water softeners can help address these concerns.