Groundwater in Anson County contains iron, manganese, and PFOS, along with chloride, fluoride, and nitrate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for well owners in this area.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the sand and rock layers that make up the aquifer system here. PFOS and nitrate enter groundwater through human activities--PFOS from industrial use and discarded products, and nitrate from fertilizer and septic systems. Chloride and fluoride also accumulate in groundwater as water moves through the soil and rock.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron being the main mineral characteristic. The sandy aquifer layers allow water to pick up iron as it flows through, which is why iron appears in many wells here. Most wells across the county show similar iron levels, though individual wells vary in how much they contain.
Anson County well water sometimes contains several contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and fluoride at elevated levels can affect kidney function and bone health over time. Nitrate poses a particular risk to infants and young children, interfering with how blood carries oxygen. Iron and manganese can also exceed safe levels and cause neurological effects with long-term exposure. PFOS is a synthetic chemical linked to immune system problems and other serious health concerns.
The iron in wells here can cause visible staining on fixtures and clothes, leaving orange or brown marks that are hard to remove. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Iron can also clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time, creating practical maintenance headaches around your home.
Your well is unique, and testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks metals, minerals, bacteria, and chemicals since multiple contaminants are a concern in this county. A full panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on results, treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can address different contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 42% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 27 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 9 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 15% | Moderate | High | |
| Fluoride | 10 | 10% | Low | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 27 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sulfate | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 27 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 26 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe |
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.
Loading recent water news…