Groundwater in Outagamie County contains iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are concerning and deserve your attention.
The deep limestone and sandstone rock beneath this county naturally contains these minerals and radioactive elements. As groundwater moves slowly through these rock layers over time, iron, manganese, and radon dissolve into the water. Sulfate also comes from the natural breakdown of minerals in the bedrock.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below. These minerals concentrate in the water as it sits in contact with the carbonate rock for years. Nearly all wells in Outagamie County show this same very hard character.
Outagamie County wells commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can cause damage to your organs and nervous system with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater from natural rock decay and increases lung cancer risk over time. Sulfate at high levels can cause digestive problems, especially in infants and people with certain health conditions.
County wells have very hard water, which creates white, crusty scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. Iron staining leaves orange-brown marks on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or smell like rotten eggs. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county, we recommend a comprehensive water test for metals and minerals. Every well is different, and your well 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 it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-$400, and treatment options like water softeners and radon aeration systems can 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 26 | 38% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 27 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 24 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 28 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 52 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 29 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 25 | — | 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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