Well Water in Dickinson County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Dickinson County contains manganese, fluoride, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are notable enough that well owners should be aware of them.

The underlying rock in this county naturally contains manganese and fluoride. As groundwater moves slowly through these rock layers over time, these minerals dissolve into the water. Sulfate also comes from the bedrock composition in this area.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by minerals like calcium and magnesium from the local rock. The moderate hardness reflects the composition of the bedrock that supplies wells here. Moderately hard water is common across wells in Dickinson County.

Wells in Dickinson County commonly contain fluoride, manganese, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause dental fluorosis, which affects tooth development in children. Manganese poses risks to brain development and function, especially in young children and infants. Sulfate can affect people with certain sensitivities and may cause digestive issues in some individuals.

The water in this county is moderately hard, which can cause some scaling on fixtures and pipes over time. You may notice a slight metallic or bitter taste in your water. While the hardness level here is not extreme, it can still reduce the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers if left untreated.

We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. We suggest a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. Water softeners and filtration systems designed for fluoride and manganese removal are available treatment options.