Well Water in Chatham County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Chatham County contains arsenic, PFOA, and PFOS at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels and warrant attention for well owners in the county.

Arsenic comes naturally from the crystalline bedrock that underlies this area. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial sites, military installations, airports, or landfills where they were used or disposed of. These chemicals move downward through soil and reach the water table, where they can spread through the groundwater over time.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate levels of iron as the main mineral characteristic. Iron dissolves from the crystalline rock as water moves slowly through cracks and spaces underground. Iron at moderate levels is found in a meaningful number of wells across Chatham County.

Wells in Chatham County sometimes contain arsenic, iron, PFOA, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Iron itself is not toxic, but PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can affect your liver, thyroid, and immune system, especially with long-term exposure. These chemicals do not break down easily in the environment or in your body.

County well water tends to have moderate iron, which causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Iron can also create a metallic taste in water. The good news is that wells in this county are soft, meaning they do not cause heavy scale buildup or shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers the way hard water does.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and your water could have much higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and will tell you if treatment is needed. Arsenic and PFOA/PFOS can be removed with activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems, depending on what testing shows.