Well Water in Perry County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Perry County contains manganese, iron, sulfate, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These elevated concentrations require attention and testing.

The rock beneath Perry County naturally contains iron and manganese minerals that dissolve slowly as groundwater moves through cracks and thin spaces in the stone. Sulfate enters the water from minerals in these same rock layers. This is geology at work--the local stone itself is the source of these contaminants.

Groundwater in Perry County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolving from the rock below. Iron at very high levels and sulfate at high levels concentrate in the water as it sits in contact with these minerals over time. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells in this county.

Wells in Perry County commonly contain chloride, sulfate, iron, and manganese at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect your kidneys and digestive system over time. Iron and manganese are metals that dissolve naturally from the rock and can harm your brain and nervous system with long-term exposure. Children are especially vulnerable to manganese's effects on learning and behavior.

The mineral content in county wells creates visible, daily problems. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange-brown or rust-colored. The water is extremely hard, which means thick white scale builds up on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. Extremely hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. High sulfate can give water a bitter or unpleasant taste.

We recommend testing your well because every well is different and yours 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 water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. A water softener paired with an iron filter can address many of these concerns.