Well Water in Gaston County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Gaston County contains arsenic, radon, manganese, and PFOA that well owners should know about. Some of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so testing your water is important.

These contaminants come from the rock beneath the county. Arsenic and manganese occur naturally in the crystalline rock that makes up the Piedmont and Blue Ridge aquifers here. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps from cracks in this same bedrock. PFOA is a human-made chemical that can enter groundwater from industrial sites or old landfills near the surface.

Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron, driven by iron released from the crystalline rock as water moves through it. The rock in this area naturally breaks down and releases these minerals into the water supply. Moderate iron is fairly common across wells in Gaston County.

Wells in Gaston County have been found to contain arsenic, manganese, radon, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage the kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Manganese at elevated levels affects the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. PFOA is a chemical that can harm the immune system and affect liver function.

The good news is that Gaston County's well water tends to be soft, which means you probably won't see heavy staining or scale buildup on fixtures and appliances. Iron levels in county wells are moderate, so some wells may show minor rust staining in sinks or tubs, though many won't notice any issue at all. Your water is unlikely to taste salty or have a sulfur smell.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well since every well is different. Your well could have higher levels, lower levels, or no detectable amounts of these contaminants. We recommend a comprehensive testing panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and chemicals, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or aeration systems can address several of these concerns once you know your specific levels.