Iron, manganese, chloride, fluoride, and nitrate are present in Dare County groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant your attention.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the coastal plain geology beneath your property. Iron and manganese leach from sandy and clay layers underground where oxygen is low. Chloride and fluoride occur naturally in the rock and soil. Nitrate can come from septic systems and agricultural activities on the land surface, mixing down into shallow wells.
Groundwater in Dare County is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium, and also carries high iron. The sandy and clay-rich layers of the coastal plain release these minerals as water moves through them over time. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Dare County wells show elevated levels of chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate above EPA health standards. Chloride and fluoride at high levels can harm your kidneys and bones over time. Elevated nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can cause serious blood disorders. Iron and manganese in high amounts can affect your nervous system and organs with long-term exposure.
Hard water is common in this county and causes visible stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. You will see rust-colored buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Scale accumulates in your water heater, dishwasher, and other appliances, shortening how long they last. The water may taste metallic or have a bitter flavor.
We recommend getting your well tested with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Iron removal systems and water softeners can address many of these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 62 | 52% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 31 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 72 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 41 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 42 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 46 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 33 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 62 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 71 | — | Moderate | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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