Well Water in Tyrrell County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Tyrrell County contains iron, fluoride, chloride, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should be aware that these contaminants are present at concerning concentrations.

The coastal plain geology here naturally releases these minerals into groundwater. Iron and manganese come from the sediments and rocks underground. Chloride and fluoride occur naturally where saltwater has mixed with freshwater over time in this low-lying coastal area. Sulfate also accumulates in groundwater as water moves slowly through the buried sediment layers.

Groundwater in Tyrrell County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the sediments and rocks. The sandy and clayey layers that make up the aquifer system contain minerals that dissolve easily into water as it passes through. High iron is also a notable feature of wells here. These characteristics are widespread across the county's wells.

Wells in Tyrrell County commonly contain chloride, fluoride, iron, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and fluoride at high levels can affect your kidneys and bones over time, especially for children and people drinking the water every day. Iron and sulfate in high amounts can cause stomach problems and affect how your body absorbs nutrients.

The very hard water in county wells creates real problems in your home. You will see rust stains on sinks and clothes from the iron. Scale builds up inside pipes and on faucets. Hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in your water.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel because multiple contaminants are common in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is typical here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron removal filters and water softening systems can address these concerns.