Wilkes County's groundwater contains radon, sulfate, and arsenic, with radon and sulfate reaching levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are concerning and warrant attention from well owners in the area.
Radon seeps into groundwater from the decay of uranium naturally present in the crystalline rock beneath the county. Sulfate and arsenic also come from the slow weathering of minerals in this ancient bedrock as water moves through cracks and spaces in the stone over long periods of time.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium released from the crystalline rock as water flows through it. This hardness level is a direct result of the mineral-rich bedrock that underlies the area, where water dissolves these elements as it passes through. Moderately hard water with low sodium is a common finding across wells throughout Wilkes County.
Wells in Wilkes County commonly exceed EPA health standards for radon and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater from rock below the surface. Breathing radon that comes out of water during showers and daily use increases your risk of lung cancer over time. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems, especially in infants and people with certain health conditions.
The moderately hard water in county wells can leave chalky buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. This scale can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice spots on dishes after washing and a slight chalky feeling on your skin after bathing. Iron in the water, while present at moderate levels, can create reddish stains on fixtures and laundry over time.
Because every well is different, your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Radon can be addressed with aeration systems, and sulfate can be removed through reverse osmosis or other filtration methods.
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 ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | 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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