Groundwater in Portage County contains radon, iron, manganese, arsenic, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and PFOA and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the mixed rock layers beneath the county. Radon seeps from radioactive minerals in the bedrock as water sits in contact with rock over time. Arsenic, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite also occur naturally in the groundwater and rocks, though nitrate and nitrite can also enter from agricultural or septic sources on the land surface above.
Groundwater in Portage County is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below. These minerals concentrate as water moves slowly through the bedrock and dissolves them over time. Hard water is common across most wells in the county, and many wells also show elevated iron from the same natural process.
Portage County wells commonly exceed EPA health standards for several contaminants. Arsenic is a toxic metal that can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Nitrate and nitrite harm infants and can affect oxygen levels in blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters through cracks in the foundation and increases lung cancer risk when breathed over time. Chloride, PFOA, and PFOS are also present at concerning levels and can affect kidney function and other organs with prolonged exposure. Manganese can affect the nervous system in children.
County wells show moderate hardness, which leaves white, crusty scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and appliances. You may notice spots on dishes after washing or a reduced water flow from showerheads over time. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You might also notice that soap does not clean as well as it should. The iron in county wells sometimes causes orange or reddish staining on sinks and toilets.
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. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like radon removal systems, activated carbon filters, or water softeners can address multiple concerns once you know your results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 599 | 27% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 407 | 26% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 915 | 22% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 17 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 17 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 160 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 871 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 761 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 408 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 159 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 458 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 67 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 475 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 932 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 731 | — | 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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