Well Water in Langlade County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Langlade County contains lead and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards, along with arsenic. These contaminants deserve attention and testing to determine what is present in your individual well.

Lead and PFOS come from different sources in this area. Lead occurs naturally in the rock beneath the county and can also enter water from old plumbing or industrial activity. PFOS is a human-made chemical used in products like firefighting foam and nonstick coatings, which has contaminated groundwater in some locations.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock as water moves underground. Iron is also present at moderate levels in the water from minerals in the local bedrock. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county, though individual wells vary in their mineral content and contaminant levels.

Lead and PFOS are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Langlade County. Lead can damage children's brain development and learning. PFOS is a human-made chemical that builds up in your body over time and can affect your immune system and liver. Arsenic is also present in county groundwater and can increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure.

County well water is moderately hard, which means you may see white crusty scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Iron is present at moderate levels and can cause orange or reddish staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The mineral deposits from hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time. Sodium and sulfate levels are low, which is good news for your water taste and appliances.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly if needed. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can address lead and PFOS if testing shows they are in your water.