Well Water in Surry County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Surry County contains manganese, chloride, iron, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that well owners should address.

The Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system here contains naturally occurring minerals that dissolve into your water. Manganese and iron come from the rock and soil layers underground. Chloride and sulfate accumulate in groundwater over time as water moves slowly through these sandy and clay layers, picking up minerals along the way.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and contains elevated iron and moderate levels of manganese. These metals come from the natural minerals in the sandy and clay layers that make up your aquifer. Most wells in Surry County show these mineral characteristics, though the exact amounts vary from well to well.

Wells in Surry County commonly have chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Chloride at high levels can harm people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Iron and manganese can build up in your body over time and damage your brain, bones, and organs. Sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive problems, especially in infants and people with certain health conditions.

County wells often have moderate iron levels that leave orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Manganese can create black stains and a metallic taste in your water. The moderately hard water in this area can leave scale buildup in pipes and shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a bitter or unpleasant taste from the mineral content.

We recommend testing your well right away since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel testing for metals and minerals runs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Iron and manganese removal systems or a whole-house filter can address these concerns once you know your specific levels.