Manganese and arsenic are present in Davie County groundwater and need attention. Both metals exceed EPA health standards in some wells, making them the main concerns for well owners here.
These metals come from the crystalline rock beneath the county. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in the minerals that make up this bedrock, and groundwater moving through cracks and fractures dissolves them over time. Areas with slower-moving groundwater or more acidic conditions tend to have higher levels of these metals.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfate. The crystalline rock here does not contain the mineral-rich limestone found in other parts of North Carolina, so it contributes fewer dissolved minerals to the water. Most wells in Davie County show this soft water character, though manganese and arsenic levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Davie County can contain arsenic and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and cause problems with the skin, heart, and digestive system. Manganese can affect the nervous system and cause trouble with learning and coordination, especially in children whose brains are still developing.
The good news is that Davie County wells are generally soft and low in sodium, so you probably won't see staining, scale buildup, or salty taste in your water. Your appliances should not wear out faster than normal from mineral deposits.
We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals panel that checks for arsenic, manganese, and other contaminants costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly if needed. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can remove these metals from your drinking water.
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.
Loading recent water news…