Well Water in Kings County: What to Test and Why

Kings County groundwater contains chloride, iron, lead, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that well owners should address.

Chloride and sulfate enter the groundwater from road salt and de-icing chemicals applied to streets and parking lots, as well as from seawater intrusion in this coastal area. Iron and lead come from the rock underground and from old pipes and plumbing fixtures in homes and buildings. The sandy and gravelly layers in this region naturally release iron into the water, while lead leaches from aging water delivery systems.

Groundwater in Kings County is notably high in sodium and contains moderate levels of iron and sulfate. The coastal location and the sandy aquifer rock allow seawater and road salts to mix with fresh groundwater, raising sodium levels, while the rock itself contributes iron. These characteristics show up consistently across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Kings County contain chloride, iron, lead, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead exposure harms children's brain and kidney development and can affect adults' blood pressure and kidney function. Chloride and sulfate at elevated concentrations can cause digestive problems, especially for people with certain health conditions. Iron above safe levels in drinking water poses risks to people with iron overload disorders.

The high iron and sodium levels in county wells create noticeable quality-of-life issues. Iron stains clothes, sinks, and fixtures with rust-colored marks that are hard to remove. High sodium can make water taste salty, and you may notice a metallic flavor. These mineral levels can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by causing buildup inside the equipment.

We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out what is actually in your well, 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 needs treatment so you can protect your family's health. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or ion exchange systems can remove multiple contaminants at once.