Well Water in Bertie County: What to Test and Why

Iron, manganese, and lead are present in Bertie County's groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, and lead also exceeds safe limits.

These metals come from the rock layers beneath the county. The sandy and clay layers of the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain naturally contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through them. Lead can enter from corrosion of old pipes and plumbing in individual wells.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron and high sodium as the main mineral features. The sandy geology allows iron to dissolve readily from minerals in the rock, and sodium concentrates in the water as it sits underground. Many wells across the county show these characteristics, though individual wells vary in their exact composition.

Wells in Bertie County commonly have iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead is especially concerning because it harms children's brain development and learning, even at low levels. Iron and manganese do not cause immediate health problems, but they can accumulate in your body over time. Lead exposure also increases blood pressure and kidney damage in adults.

County well water tends to be soft, which means you will not see heavy scale buildup on fixtures. However, the elevated iron can leave orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in your water or a rotten egg smell from the manganese. The high sodium levels can also affect how water tastes to you.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which usually costs $200 to $400. Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county, so testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water and how to treat it. Iron removal systems and water softeners can address these issues once you know your specific levels.