Well Water in Kings County: What to Test and Why

Kings County groundwater contains manganese, iron, chloride, nitrate, arsenic, lead, sulfate, and nitrite, several of which exceed EPA health standards. These levels are concerning enough to warrant testing and awareness, though contaminant concentrations vary from well to well across the county.

Manganese and iron come naturally from the rock layers beneath the county. Chloride, nitrate, and lead enter from human sources--road salt, fertilizers, septic systems, and old pipes--which blend with natural groundwater in this densely developed urban and suburban setting.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium, and also carries high iron and moderate sodium and sulfate. The sandy and gravelly aquifer layers naturally release iron and manganese as water moves through them, while minerals dissolve from surrounding rock. Most wells in Kings County show these hard-water and mineral characteristics.

Groundwater in Kings County contains several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time increases the risk of cancer and can harm the kidneys and circulatory system. Nitrate and nitrite affect how blood carries oxygen in infants and young children. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in developing children. Manganese at elevated levels can affect brain development in infants and young children.

Wells in this county have very hard water along with elevated iron. Hard water leaves scale buildup inside pipes and appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan. Iron causes rust-colored or orange staining on clothes, dishes, and fixtures. You may notice a metallic taste in the water or cloudiness when water sits in a glass.

Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or ion exchange water softening can address multiple contaminants at once.