Iron, manganese, chloride, and fluoride are all present in Tyrrell County groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These elevated concentrations require attention from well owners in the area.
The coastal plain sediments here contain iron and manganese naturally, and they dissolve into groundwater as water moves through these materials. Chloride and fluoride come from old saltwater that was trapped in underground layers long ago and from natural mineral deposits in the sand and clay below the surface.
Groundwater in Tyrrell County is hard, driven by elevated iron and manganese that dominate the water's character. These metals concentrate because the sandy and clay layers underground release them as water flows through over time. Hard water with very high iron is common across wells throughout the county, though individual wells vary in their exact levels.
Wells in Tyrrell County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, fluoride, iron, and manganese. Chloride at high levels can harm your kidneys and increase blood pressure over time. Fluoride in excess can damage tooth enamel and bones. Iron and manganese can affect your nervous system and cause developmental problems in children.
The hard water in county wells creates staining and scale buildup. Iron leaves rust-colored stains on fixtures, clothes, and dishes. The water may taste metallic or unpleasant. Hard water this severe shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by forcing them to work harder.
We recommend testing your well water right away. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so it can be properly treated. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or whole-house filters can address these concerns.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 56 | 73% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 29 | 28% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 79 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 32 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 79 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 119 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 29 | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
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