Well Water in Vilas County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Vilas County contains manganese, iron, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should address.

The bedrock beneath this county naturally contains iron and manganese minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in the rock, these metals dissolve into the water. Lead also occurs naturally in the local stone. The deep location of the groundwater and long contact time with the rock create conditions where these metals accumulate.

Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron. Iron concentrates here because the bedrock is naturally iron-rich, and the slow movement of water through the rock allows iron to dissolve into it. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county.

Wells in Vilas County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, lead, manganese, and radon. Lead damages children's brain development and can harm kidneys and the nervous system in people of all ages. Manganese at elevated levels can damage the nervous system and cause learning and behavior problems. High iron and radon both pose serious health risks with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk.

Iron in county wells causes orange and brown staining on clothes, fixtures, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in your water. The county's water is soft, so you won't struggle with scale buildup on pipes and appliances the way hard-water areas do.

We recommend a comprehensive water test for your well since multiple health-standard exceedances show up in county wells. 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 water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs around $200 to $400 and can guide treatment decisions. Iron removal systems and radon treatment are both available options.