Groundwater in Langlade County contains manganese, iron, nitrate, and PFOS--contaminants that well owners should monitor. Iron, manganese, and nitrate exceed EPA health standards in this county's wells, and PFOS is also present at levels of concern.
These contaminants come from different sources in the area. Manganese and iron dissolve naturally from the bedrock as water moves slowly through the ground. Nitrate typically enters from fertilizers and septic systems used on land above the water. PFOS is a human-made chemical that reaches groundwater from industrial sites and contaminated materials like firefighting foam.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium from the local bedrock. These minerals concentrate in the water as it passes through rock layers beneath the surface. Hard water is common across wells throughout Langlade County.
Groundwater in Langlade County contains iron, manganese, nitrate, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and cause harm to your organs and nervous system. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. PFOS is a forever chemical that accumulates in your body and has been linked to serious health effects including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system problems.
Wells in this county are hard, which means mineral buildup is common. The hardness can leave white crusty scale on pipes and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. You may notice orange or brown staining on sinks and fixtures from the iron in the water. Some people also notice a metallic taste.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed standards in county wells. Every well is different, and your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. Iron removal systems and water softeners can help address 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 82 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 82 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 10% | Low | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 76 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 82 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 81 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 82 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 82 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 83 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 82 | — | 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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