Well Water in Queens County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Queens County contains manganese, iron, chloride, and lead that well owners should be aware of. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for your household water.

These contaminants come from two sources. Iron and manganese occur naturally in the sand and gravel layers that make up the aquifer beneath Queens County. Chloride and lead enter from human activity--road salt used in winter, de-icing chemicals, and corrosion of old pipes and plumbing fixtures in this densely developed urban area.

Groundwater in Queens County is notably high in iron and sodium, the minerals that drive its character. The sandy aquifer naturally releases iron as water flows through, and sodium concentrations reflect both the coastal location and urban development. These mineral characteristics appear across many wells in the county, though individual wells vary in their exact composition.

Wells in Queens County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, lead, manganese, and sulfate. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children, and can cause learning problems and behavior changes. Manganese harms the developing brain in young children and affects adult nervous system function. Iron and chloride at high levels can cause stomach problems and other health issues. Sulfate can act as a laxative and cause digestive distress.

Iron in county wells creates orange or brown staining on clothes, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in the water. Elevated sodium adds a salty taste. These minerals together can clog pipes and reduce the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

Your well is unique, and contamination levels vary from property to property. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and will identify all the contaminants present. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or ion exchange can address multiple contaminants at once.