Well Water in Suffolk city: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Suffolk contains iron, radon, fluoride, chloride, manganese, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing your well important.

These contaminants come from the natural rock and sediment beneath the area. The Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain contains layers of sand and clay that hold saltwater from ancient oceans. As your well water moves slowly through these layers, it picks up iron and manganese from the rock itself. Chloride and sulfate remain from that old seawater trapped underground long ago.

Your groundwater is soft but carries very high sodium and moderate iron. The sandy layers allow minerals to dissolve easily into the water as it passes through. These characteristics are widespread across wells in this county.

Wells in Suffolk contain chloride, fluoride, radon, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Chloride at high levels can harm people with heart or kidney problems. Fluoride in excess amounts can damage tooth enamel and bone. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. Manganese can affect the nervous system with long-term exposure.

Your water contains very high sodium, which creates a noticeable salty taste. The moderate iron levels in county wells can stain laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures with reddish or brownish marks. You may also notice a metallic taste from the iron and sodium combination.

We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your specific well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A full panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, or activated carbon filters can address these concerns depending on your results.