Typical values from 37 sampled wells in Hendry County · Full groundwater profile
What Are You Noticing in Your Water?
Pre-selected from Hendry County well data. Untick anything you do not notice in your own water.
Based on the contaminants most commonly reported in this region. Always confirm with a certified lab water test before buying equipment.
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Explore Hendry County and nearby counties
Most homes in Hendry County, in Southwest Florida, are on public water, but 13.6% of built parcels, roughly 1,880 properties, still draw drinking water from a private well, according to the Florida Department of Health's 2018 inventory. The water source of 28.3% of parcels is not recorded, so the real share of wells may be higher.
Most groundwater pumped in Hendry County comes from the Intermediate Aquifer System, with a significant share also from the Surficial Aquifer System (USGS, 2015 withdrawals). Samples from 37 local wells put the median hardness at 18 gpg (very hard) and median iron at 1.05 mg/L. The county's largest communities are Clewiston, LaBelle and Port LaBelle.
In this guide
Groundwater Profile: Hendry County
Most groundwater pumped in Hendry County comes from the Intermediate Aquifer System, with a significant share also from the Surficial Aquifer System (USGS, 2015 withdrawals). Across 37 sampled wells, the median hardness is 18 gpg, which the USGS classes as very hard. It applies to wells across Hendry County, including around Clewiston, LaBelle and Port LaBelle.
What shows up in local well samples:
- HardnessMedian 18 gpg; 95% of 37 sampled wells above 7 gpg
Calcium and magnesium dissolved from limestone. Leaves scale on fixtures and water heaters and reduces soap lather. Not a health risk.
Water softener sizing - IronMedian 1.05 mg/L; 57% of 37 sampled wells above 0.3 mg/L
Stains sinks, toilets and laundry orange-brown and can taste metallic. The EPA aesthetic guideline is 0.3 mg/L. See how to choose an iron filter for your test result.
Iron filter sizing guide
Hydrogen sulfide (the rotten-egg smell) was measured in only 18 Hendry County wells, too few to say how common it is. Limited local data (fewer than 20 samples): individual well testing recommended. If you notice the smell, a sulfide test confirms it.
How Hendry County Compares to Florida and the U.S.
See How Hendry County Compares to Florida & the US
| Share of wells with… | Hendry CountyHendry | FloridaFL | United StatesUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard water (above 7 gpg) | 95% | 79% | 60% |
| Iron above 0.3 mg/L | 57% | 35% | 19% |
| Manganese above 0.05 mg/L | 8% | 8% | 21% |
| Dissolved solids above 500 mg/L | 38% | 22% | 15% |
| Acidic water (pH below 6.5) | 8% | 15% | 14% |
| Nitrate above 10 mg/L (EPA limit) | 5% | 2% | 4% |
| Arsenic above 10 µg/L (EPA limit) | 3% | 3% | 7% |
| Median hardness | 18 gpg | 12.4 gpg | — |
| Median pH | 7 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
Hendry County and Florida: share of sampled wells (all well types, samples since 2000) whose typical value exceeds the level, from the Water Quality Portal. United States: USGS Circular 1332, about 2,100 domestic wells in 48 states sampled 1991 to 2004. Well types and years differ, so read this as a broad comparison. Highlighted cells are well above the national share.
See what a typical Hendry County well needs
Opens the diagnostic calculator with Hendry County median values (18 gpg hardness, 1.05 ppm iron, pH 7) for a 3–4 person home. Swap in your own lab results for an exact plan.
Testing Your Well in Hendry County
The Florida Department of Health in Hendry County oversees private well permitting in the county and investigates suspected contamination. For routine bacteria, nitrate or full-panel tests, use a laboratory certified by the Florida Department of Health.
What to test for in Hendry County:
- Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and nitrate, at least once a year (Florida Department of Health recommendation)
- Hardness in grains per gallon (gpg) to size a softener
- Iron and manganese before choosing a filter
- After any flood, new well work or a change in taste, color or smell
The Florida Department of Health in Hendry County can explain how to collect samples and where to send them. Statewide guidance is on the FDOH private well testing page, and our guide to how to test well water covers which tests to order.
Nearby Counties
Hendry County borders these counties with published reports:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many homes in Hendry County use private wells?
The Florida Department of Health’s Florida Water Management Inventory (2018 data) found 13.6% of built parcels in Hendry County on private wells, roughly 1,880 properties. The water source of 28.3% of parcels is unrecorded, so the true share may be higher.
How hard is well water in Hendry County?
Groundwater samples from 37 wells in Hendry County have a median hardness of 18 grains per gallon (307 mg/L), which the USGS classes as very hard. About 95% of sampled wells are above 7 gpg, the point where a water softener is usually worthwhile. The Florida statewide median is 12.4 gpg.
Is iron a problem in Hendry County well water?
The median iron level across 37 sampled wells is 1.05 mg/L, above the EPA aesthetic guideline of 0.3 mg/L, and 57% of wells exceed it. Orange staining is common, and an iron filter sized to your test result is the usual fix.
Why does my well water smell like rotten eggs in Hendry County?
Hydrogen sulfide (the rotten-egg smell) was measured in only 18 Hendry County wells, too few to say how common it is. Limited local data (fewer than 20 samples): individual well testing recommended. If you notice the smell, a sulfide test confirms it. The smell is a nuisance rather than a health risk at typical levels.
Which aquifer supplies wells in Hendry County?
Most groundwater pumped in Hendry County comes from the Intermediate Aquifer System, with a significant share also from the Surficial Aquifer System (USGS, 2015 withdrawals).
Does boiling well water make it safe to drink in Hendry County?
Only if bacteria are the problem. A one-minute rolling boil kills germs, but it does not remove nitrate, arsenic or other chemicals, and it concentrates them as water evaporates. Test first, and see our boiling well water myth buster for when boiling helps.
How often should I test my well water in Hendry County?
The Florida Department of Health recommends testing private wells for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year, and again after flooding or well repairs. The Florida Department of Health in Hendry County can explain how to collect and submit samples.
Written by Well Water Advisor Editorial Team.