Well Water in Bladen County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Bladen County contains iron, arsenic, chloride, and manmade chemicals called PFOA, PFOS, and HFPO-DA. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners in this area.

These contaminants come from different sources in the landscape. Iron occurs naturally in the sandy and clayey layers of the Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system. Arsenic and chloride also appear naturally in these sediments, though chloride levels suggest saltwater mixing from the coast or old salt deposits underground. The manmade chemicals PFOA, PFOS, and HFPO-DA likely come from industrial sites, firefighting foam use, or landfills in or near the county.

Groundwater in this county is soft and not dominated by mineral character, though it does contain moderate iron. Iron is naturally present in the sandy sediments that make up the aquifer here. This iron concentration is found across many wells throughout the county.

Wells in Bladen County have been found to exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, chloride, and several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including HFPO-DA, PFOA, and PFOS. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and cause problems with the skin, heart, and nerves. PFAS chemicals build up in your body and have been linked to thyroid issues, liver damage, and weakened immune function. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Iron in county wells shows up at moderate levels and creates the most common quality-of-life issue: rusty staining on fixtures, laundry, and plumbing. You might notice a metallic taste or orange-colored water. The good news is that Bladen County wells are generally soft, which means you will not deal with the scale buildup and shortened appliance lifespan that comes with hard water.

We recommend a comprehensive water test for your well because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county, and every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water and what treatment will work best for your family. A comprehensive metals and PFAS panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange can address many of these contaminants depending on what your test shows.