Manganese, iron, and arsenic are present in Washburn County groundwater and deserve your attention. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards in this county.
These metals come from the rock layers beneath the county. As groundwater sits in contact with iron-rich and manganese-bearing rock, these minerals dissolve into the water. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the local bedrock. This is a slow process driven by the county's geology.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The moderate iron concentration comes from water moving through iron-containing layers underground. These characteristics are common across wells throughout Washburn County.
Iron and manganese in wells throughout this county can pose health concerns when present at elevated levels. Manganese exposure over time can affect how the brain develops and works, especially in children. Iron itself is not a direct health risk, but when present at high levels it can interfere with the body's ability to absorb other nutrients.
Wells in this county show moderate hardness, which means you may notice white or chalky scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. Iron staining can appear on laundry, sinks, and bathtubs, leaving orange or brown marks that are difficult to remove. You might also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually there, since every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like aeration systems or iron filters can help address these 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 15 | 47% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 15 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 36 | — | 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.
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