Groundwater in Long County contains radon, manganese, and arsenic. Manganese and radon exceed EPA health standards in this area, so well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
These contaminants come from the sand and gravel layers that make up the surficial aquifer system in this region. Manganese and iron naturally occur in these underground materials and dissolve into water over time. Radon comes from natural radioactive decay in the rock and soil surrounding the aquifer.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium dissolving from the rock layers below. The sand and gravel aquifer system allows minerals to accumulate in the water as it moves through these materials. Hard water is found in most wells across Long County.
Wells in Long County commonly have elevated manganese and radon at levels above what the EPA considers acceptable for drinking water. Manganese can affect the nervous system with repeated exposure over time, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over many years. Both of these contaminants warrant attention if they are present in your well.
Hard water is common in county wells and can leave white, chalky buildup on faucets and fixtures. You might notice spots on dishes and glassware after washing, and soap and shampoo may not lather as easily. The hard minerals can also reduce how long water heaters and dishwashers last by causing scale to build up inside them.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals test usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment, and options like special filters or aeration systems can address many of these concerns once you have your results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Iron | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | 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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