Groundwater in Portsmouth contains chloride, iron, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are high enough that well owners need to take action.
Chloride and fluoride come from saltwater intrusion pushing inland from the Atlantic Ocean and from natural deposits in the sandy and clay layers underground. Iron occurs naturally as groundwater moves through iron-bearing sand and sediment in this coastal plain region.
Groundwater in Portsmouth is notably high in sodium and moderate in iron. The coastal location and layered geology here--sand, clay, and saltwater-contaminated zones from the ocean--concentrate these minerals as water moves slowly underground. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the city.
Wells in Portsmouth contain chloride, fluoride, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride at high levels can raise blood pressure in people who are sensitive to salt. Fluoride above recommended levels can cause dental fluorosis, which damages developing teeth in children. Iron at elevated levels can affect the liver and heart over time.
The very high sodium in county wells creates a salty taste in drinking water. Even though the water is soft, the combination of sodium and iron causes other problems. Iron leaves reddish or brownish stains on laundry, sinks, and bathroom fixtures. Buildup also appears on faucets and screens, clogging them over time.
Since multiple analytes exceed EPA standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended to find out exactly what is in your well. Every well in Portsmouth is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what needs treatment. Reverse osmosis systems or ion exchange softeners can address these concerns once you know your specific levels.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 6 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 5 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 17% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | Low | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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