Well Water in Kent County, Michigan

Kent County · Population ~660,000 (county) · Aquifer: Glacial Drift

Hardness: 250-450 PPM — Hard to Very Hard

Kent County, home to Grand Rapids, is Michigan's fourth most populous county. While Grand Rapids residents are on municipal water, the rural and suburban townships surrounding the city rely heavily on private wells. The county has documented PFAS contamination from multiple sources, and the glacial geology produces characteristically hard, iron-rich water.

PFAS in Kent County

Kent County has been significantly affected by PFAS contamination. The Wolverine World Wide tannery in Rockford used 3M's Scotchgard (a PFAS compound) for decades and disposed of PFAS-contaminated waste at multiple locations in the county. The House Street and Belmont areas have been particularly affected.

Additionally, PFAS from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and various industrial sites has been detected in area groundwater. Michigan EGLE has conducted extensive testing of private wells in affected areas.

See our PFAS guide for details on Michigan's PFAS response.

The Wolverine World Wide Legacy

The Wolverine World Wide contamination in Rockford/Plainfield Township is one of the most significant PFAS contamination events in the country. The company dumped Scotchgard-laden waste at the former Wolverine tannery and at a property on House Street for decades. PFAS has been found in private wells, surface water, and even in some fish.

If you're on a private well in the Rockford, Plainfield Township, or Algoma Township area, PFAS testing is essential. The state has provided bottled water and whole-house filtration systems to many affected residents.

Hard Water and Iron

Kent County's glacial aquifer produces hard to very hard water, typically 250-450 PPM. Iron staining — rust-colored deposits on fixtures, laundry, and toilet bowls — is one of the most common complaints from well owners in the county. Manganese, which causes black staining, is also frequently elevated.

A water softener and iron filter are standard equipment for most Kent County well owners.

Testing Priorities

If you're near a known PFAS site, test for PFAS first. Otherwise, annual testing should include bacteria, nitrates, and pH. Test at least once for arsenic, hardness, iron, manganese, and a basic mineral panel.

The Kent County Health Department offers well water testing resources. See our testing guide for certified labs.

Every well is different. Two wells on the same street can produce completely different water. The data on this page reflects documented conditions in the Kent County area, but the only way to know what's in your water is to test it.

Sources

  • Michigan EGLE — Wolverine World Wide PFAS Investigation
  • Michigan PFAS Action Response Team — Kent County Sites
  • Kent County Health Department — Environmental Health Division
  • USGS — Glacial Drift Aquifer Quality, West Michigan