Well Water in Surry County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Surry County contains manganese, arsenic, and chloride. Manganese is present at levels that exceed EPA health standards, while arsenic and chloride are detected but at low concentrations that do not exceed those standards.

Manganese enters the groundwater from the crystalline rock below the county. This rock naturally contains manganese minerals that dissolve slowly into water as it moves underground. Arsenic and chloride also come from the same rock source, released through natural weathering over time.

Groundwater in this county is soft with low levels of iron, sodium, and sulfate. The crystalline rock here does not contain the thick deposits of minerals like calcium and magnesium that make water hard in other areas, so the water stays naturally soft. Most wells in Surry County show this same soft-water character.

Wells in Surry County can contain manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese is a metal that can build up in your body over time. Drinking water with high manganese is a concern for adults and especially for children, as it can affect brain development and learning.

The good news is that Surry County wells are generally soft and low in minerals like iron, sodium, and sulfate. This means you probably won't see orange staining, buildup in pipes, or salty taste in your water. Your water heater and appliances should not wear out faster than normal from mineral buildup.

We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A basic screening for bacteria and nitrate costs around fifty to one hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed, and options like filtration systems can remove manganese if it is present in your well.