Groundwater in Davie County contains manganese, arsenic, and chloride that well owners should know about. Manganese levels exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention, while arsenic and chloride are present but at levels below the health limit.
These contaminants come from the crystalline rock beneath the county. As groundwater slowly moves through cracks and breaks in this rock, it dissolves minerals and metals naturally present in the stone. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in this type of rock formation, while chloride accumulates from the slow dissolution of minerals over time.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low levels of calcium and magnesium that would make it hard. The crystalline rock here does not break down easily into the minerals that create hardness, keeping the water naturally soft. This soft-water character is common across wells throughout the county, which distinguishes Davie County from areas built on limestone or shale.
Manganese is the main contaminant exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Davie County. Manganese exposure can affect the brain and nervous system, particularly in children and babies. Arsenic and chloride are also present in county groundwater at levels of concern. Arsenic is toxic and can cause serious health problems from long-term exposure.
Davie County wells are soft, which is actually good for your pipes and appliances. You won't have the stubborn scale buildup or soap scum that hard water creates. Your water heater and dishwasher should last a normal lifespan. The soft water means you can use less soap and detergent for cleaning.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in it, since every well in the county is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and will check for manganese, arsenic, and other contaminants. Testing is the only way to know what needs to be treated. Depending on results, treatment options like manganese filters or activated carbon can address specific problems.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 16 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | 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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