Well Water in Waushara County: What to Test and Why

Waushara County groundwater contains radon, chloride, and arsenic. Chloride and radon are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

Radon comes from the natural breakdown of radioactive minerals in the bedrock deep below the county. Chloride dissolves naturally from the rock layers that hold the groundwater. These contaminants are part of the geology here rather than products of pollution or land use.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other carbonate-bearing rock below. As water sits in contact with these rock layers, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into wells. Hard water is widespread across wells throughout the county.

Wells in this county contain chloride and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rock below ground. Breathing radon increases the risk of lung cancer over time. Chloride at high levels can be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets and can damage plumbing and equipment.

The water in this county is moderately hard, which means you may see white, crusty scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes. Hard water can make soap less effective for cleaning and may leave spots on dishes and glassware. Over time, moderately hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common across the county. We recommend a comprehensive water test to see what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like radon removal systems or water softeners can address these concerns based on your test results.