Well Water in Putnam County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Putnam County contains sulfate, iron, and arsenic that well owners should know about. Iron and sulfate exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

These contaminants come from the rock beneath the county. Sulfate dissolves from minerals naturally present in the bedrock layers. Iron also leaches from iron-bearing minerals in the same rock as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fractures underground.

Groundwater in Putnam County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and dolomite below. The slow movement of water through these carbonate rock layers dissolves minerals and concentrates them in the water. Most wells in this county show this same hard-water character.

Wells in Putnam County commonly have iron and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron at these levels can cause problems with blood oxygen and organ function over time. Sulfate in drinking water can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, especially in young children and people with sensitive systems.

County well water is extremely hard, which creates visible buildup on fixtures and shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Iron causes orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The high sulfate content can give water a bitter or unpleasant taste. You may also notice white, crusty scale forming inside pipes and on faucets.

We recommend testing your well because every well is different--yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and will show exactly what you are dealing with. A water softener combined with an iron filter can address both the hardness and iron problems.