Well water in Dakota County, Nebraska
In Dakota County, 13% of 52 tested well samples exceeded the EPA limit for nitrate (10 mg/L), based on public data from USGS Water Quality Portal and Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse.
69 individual samples from 29 wells, 1981 to 2025. Data refreshed September 9, 2026.
What individual samples found
Each row summarizes every public sample for that contaminant inside Dakota County. Above limit means above the EPA maximum contaminant level; where EPA has no enforceable limit, the row shows a health guideline or nuisance level instead.
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What this means
The contaminants most often above their limit here are nitrate (13% of 52 samples). A well next door can differ sharply from yours because bedrock fractures, well depth and plumbing all matter, so these rates describe the area, not your tap.
Manganese and Chloride are widespread in local groundwater. They are mainly a staining and taste problem, but high manganese also carries a health advisory for infants.
What to test for in Dakota County
- Nitrate13% of 52 local samples were above the limit.
- Coliform bacteriaRecommended for every private well, every year.
- RadonMedian local reading is 320 pCi/L.
- ArsenicAbove the limit in 1 of 3 local samples; too few to quote a rate.
- FluorideDetected in 100% of local samples.
- ManganeseDetected in 100% of local samples.
- ChlorideDetected in 100% of local samples.
Treatment that fits the local profile
- Nitrate
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Anion exchange; Distillation
- Fluoride
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Activated alumina; Distillation
- Manganese
- Oxidizing filter (greensand, birm) whole-house; Water softener (low levels); Point-of-use reverse osmosis
- Chloride
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Distillation
Get your Dakota County water tested at home
A licensed local water treatment company tests your tap water in your home, walks you through the numbers, and quotes treatment only if something needs fixing. Free, about 30 minutes, no obligation. Tell us what you need and we match you with a company that serves Dakota County.
Common questions
Is there arsenic in well water in Dakota County?
Arsenic was detected in 100% of 3 public well samples in Dakota County, and 33% were above the EPA limit of 10 ug/L. Arsenic has no taste or smell; a lab test is the only way to know your level.
How high is radon in well water in Dakota County?
The median radon level across 5 public samples in Dakota County was 320 pCi/L, with a high of 480 pCi/L. New Hampshire recommends treatment above 2,000 pCi/L.
How often should I test a private well in Dakota County?
Test for bacteria and nitrate every year. Test once for arsenic, uranium, radon, fluoride, manganese and PFAS, then again every three to five years or after any change in taste, color, or plumbing.
Sources
- USGS Water Quality Portal: 87 samples in Dakota County. Data from the Water Quality Portal, a service of USGS, EPA and USDA; groundwater samples collected by USGS and cooperators. Retrieved September 3, 2026.
- Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse: 50 samples in Dakota County. Groundwater quality results compiled by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, University of Nebraska and Nebraska Department of Agriculture in the Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse, contributed by Natural Resources Districts and state agencies. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
Non-detects count as samples and are treated as zero when computing medians. Exactly at the limit counts as not above it. A sample belongs to the town containing the well's reported coordinates.