Groundwater in Sauk County contains radon, manganese, iron, and nitrate, with iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon all exceeding EPA health standards. These contamination levels are concerning enough to warrant attention and testing.
These contaminants come from natural sources deep underground. Iron and manganese dissolve from the bedrock as water moves slowly through it over many years. Nitrate enters from the surface through soil and seeps down from fertilizers and manure used on farms. Radon is a radioactive gas released naturally from the rock layers beneath the county.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock as water passes through it. The deep limestone and other rock layers in this region naturally contribute these minerals to the water over time. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout Sauk County.
Wells in Sauk County commonly contain iron, manganese, nitrate, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the nervous system and organs with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over many years of exposure.
County wells are very hard, which causes significant quality-of-life issues. You will probably see rusty or orange staining on fixtures and laundry. Hard water leaves white scale buildup inside pipes and on appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. Soap and shampoo work less well in very hard water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your water 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 well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron removal systems and radon ventilation 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 103 | 21% | High | High | |
| Iron | 104 | 18% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 80 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 104 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 95 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 104 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 38 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 110 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 66 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 105 | — | 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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