Groundwater in Shawano County contains arsenic, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, and uranium that well owners should be aware of. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and deserve attention.
These contaminants come from the rock beneath the county. The mixed rock types here naturally release iron and manganese into groundwater as water moves through them slowly over time. Nitrate typically enters from fertilizer use and septic systems in the area.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other mineral-rich rock below. As water sits in contact with these rock layers, it dissolves calcium and magnesium that build up over time. Very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Shawano County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, uranium, nitrate, nitrite, manganese, and iron. Arsenic and uranium can increase cancer risk over time. Lead damages children's brain development and nervous system function. Nitrate and nitrite interfere with how blood carries oxygen, which is especially dangerous for infants. Manganese at high levels can affect brain and nerve development. Iron buildup in your body over time creates health concerns.
Shawano County has very hard water, which leaves white crusty scale on pipes, fixtures, and dishes. This extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The moderate iron levels cause orange-brown staining on sinks, bathtubs, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in the water. Hard water reduces how well soap works, leaving laundry stiff and dull.
We recommend a comprehensive water test since your well is different from others in the county and may have higher or lower levels. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Water softeners address hardness, while iron filters and radon removal systems treat other 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 84 | 39% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 102 | 25% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 58 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 64 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 61 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 31 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrite | 59 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 122 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 104 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 127 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 127 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 138 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 126 | — | 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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