Groundwater in Milwaukee County contains iron, manganese, chloride, and sulfate. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which is a serious concern for well owners.
The bedrock beneath Milwaukee County naturally releases iron and manganese into groundwater as water moves slowly through the rock layers. Sulfate also dissolves from minerals in the same formations. Chloride enters partly from road salt applied during winter months. The low-oxygen conditions deep underground speed up the release of these metals and minerals.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock, along with high levels of iron and sulfate. As water sits in contact with these rock layers over time, it picks up hard minerals and metals. Very hard water and elevated iron are common across wells in this county.
Wells in Milwaukee County commonly contain chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated levels can increase blood pressure in some people. Manganese is especially concerning for infants and young children because it can affect brain development. Iron and sulfate at these levels can also cause digestive problems.
The extremely hard water in this county leaves white, crusty scale buildup on fixtures and in pipes. Iron causes orange and brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or slightly bitter from the sulfate. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel test for your well, since every well is different and your water could 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 properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like water softeners and iron removal systems can address multiple 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 | 164 | 66% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 180 | 32% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 159 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 180 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 163 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 61 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 107 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 63 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 61 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 61 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 61 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 61 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 181 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 61 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 184 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 110 | — | High | 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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