This brochure provides a basic discussion of sulfate in well water and discusses action you can take to minimize it effects. As water moves through soil and rock formations that contain sulfate minerals, some of the sulfate dissolves into the groundwater. High levels of sulfate also occur, though less commonly, in some wells in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state. One ppm is approximately equal to one drop of the substance in ten gallons of water. People unaccustomed to drinking water with elevated levels of sulfate can experience diarrhea and dehydration.
Infants are often more sensitive to sulfate than adults.
Older children and adults become accustomed to high sulfate levels after a few days. Animals are also sensitive to high levels of sulfate. In young animals, high levels may be associated with severe, chronic diarrhea, and in few instances, death. As with humans, animals tend to become accustomed to sulfate over time. Diluting water high in sulfate with water low in sulfate can help avoid problems of diarrhea and dehydration in young animals and animals not accustomed to drinking high sulfate water.