By Andrew Beavers, Vacation Rental Administrator/Compliance Officer

Many of us here in Cook County are transplants (I am) and as such, come from cities or small towns that have a municipal water supply. Municipal water supplies are great! Just turn on the faucet and you have access to safe drinking water that is regularly tested. While you may need to soften for hardness or filter for taste municipal water supplies are very rarely dangerous.

In a region renowned for its expansive wilderness and abundant pristine water it may come as a surprise that our water supply could make us sick. Because of our rural location, Cook County is home to numerous private wells that provide water to residents and businesses. While these wells can offer a sense of independence and a connection to the land, it's imperative to regularly test the water quality for various contaminants that can pose significant health risks. In this article I will delve into the importance of testing private wells in Cook County for four specific contaminants – Coliform (including E. Coli), Nitrates, Arsenic, Manganese, and Lead.

Coliform Bacteria
Coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms that can indicate the presence of fecal contamination. If detected in a well, it suggests that the water may be contaminated with harmful pathogens, such as E. coli. These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Regular testing for coliform bacteria is crucial to ensure the safety of drinking water from private wells.

Nitrates
Nitrates, a common contaminant in groundwater, can be harmful, especially to infants. High nitrate levels can interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leading to a condition known as "blue baby syndrome." This condition can be fatal if not treated promptly. Testing for nitrates is particularly important for households with infants or pregnant women.

Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can contaminate groundwater. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to a variety of health problems including cancers of the bladder, lungs, liver, and other organs. Ingesting arsenic can also contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory disease; reduced intelligence in children; and skin problems such as lesions, discoloration and corns. Testing for arsenic is essential, especially in areas where the geology is known to contain high levels of this contaminant.

Manganese
Manganese is another naturally occurring element that can contaminate groundwater. While manganese is essential for human health in small amounts, excessive exposure can lead to problems with memory, attention, and motor skills. Testing for manganese is important in areas where the geology is conducive to its presence in groundwater and especially important before infants drink the water.

Lead
Lead is a toxic metal that can contaminate groundwater, especially in older homes with lead plumbing. Exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Testing for lead in drinking water is crucial, especially in homes built before 1978.

Testing Recommendations
To ensure the safety of your drinking water, it is recommended to test your private well annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates. If you have never tested for arsenic, manganese and lead it is recommended test for these contaminants at least once. If you have concerns about specific contaminants due to your well's location or age, you may need to test more frequently.

Treatment Options
If your well water tests positive for contaminants, there are a variety of treatment options available, including filtration, disinfection, and reverse osmosis systems. Consulting with a water treatment professional can help you select the most appropriate solution for your specific needs. By regularly testing your private well water in Cook County and addressing any contamination issues promptly, you can protect the health of yourself and your family.

Cook County has received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health to provide no cost well testing. These no cost well tests will prioritize year-round residents (owners and renters) focusing on specific communities including those who are 65+, families with young children and infants, veterans, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, recipients of the healthy homes program and people with disabilities. In addition to testing there will be some funds available to help mitigate contaminants in a small number of wells. More resources about the importance of private well testing and treatment options are available on the Cook County Land Services home page and at https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/index.html

Well Testing kits will be available at the Cook County Courthouse in the Land Services Department start December 2, 2024.

For specific questions about the well testing program feel free to reach out to me directly at 218-387-3678 or [email protected]

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community.