Well Water in Harrison County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Harrison County contains manganese, iron, chloride, lead, and sulfate at concentrations that exceed EPA health standards. These elevated levels call for attention from well owners in this area.

The Mississippi embayment aquifer system underlying Harrison County naturally contains these metals and salts. Iron and manganese come from the rock layers themselves, while chloride builds up from slow movement of saltwater through ancient sediments. Lead enters through corrosion of pipes and well materials. Oil and gas activity in the region can also contribute to elevated chloride.

Groundwater in this county is soft, shaped by moderate iron and sodium. The sandy and clay layers of the embayment release sodium as water moves slowly through them, and iron dissolves from minerals in the rock. These characteristics show up across many wells in Harrison County.

Wells in Harrison County commonly have chloride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead damages the nervous system and can harm brain development in children. Manganese affects how the nervous system works. Chloride at high levels can raise blood pressure in some people. Iron and manganese together can cause problems with the brain and nervous system over time.

The iron in wells here creates rust-colored stains on fixtures, laundry, and skin. Manganese causes brown or black stains that are hard to remove. You might notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. These stains can be stubborn and difficult to clean off surfaces and clothing.

Your well is unique, and your water may contain higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check all five contaminants. Ion exchange systems or reverse osmosis can remove these metals, depending on your results.