Groundwater in Bacon County contains arsenic, chloride, and e_coli, but contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
These contaminants come from natural sources and land activities in the shallow groundwater zone. The surficial aquifer sits close to the surface, so it picks up materials from soil and nearby activities, but the local geology and land use do not drive high concentrations of these substances in most wells.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from rock and soil as water moves underground. The shallow aquifer system here allows these minerals to accumulate as water filters through sand and sediment. Hard water is common across wells in Bacon County.
Wells in Bacon County show contamination concerns that need attention. Arsenic, chloride, and E. coli bacteria have been found in county wells at levels that pose health risks. Arsenic exposure over time can damage your organs and increase cancer risk. E. coli in your water can cause serious digestive illness. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart or kidney problems.
Hard water is common in Bacon County wells and creates everyday problems around your home. You will notice white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes it harder to get soap to lather and can leave spots on dishes and laundry. Over time, hard water shortens the life of water heaters and dishwashers by causing mineral deposits to accumulate inside them.
We recommend testing your well right away since every well in this county is different and yours could have higher or lower contamination than average. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel that checks for bacteria, metals, and minerals runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like chlorination for bacteria, ion exchange for hardness, and activated carbon or reverse osmosis for other contaminants can address these issues.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 7 | — | 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.
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