Well Water in Gates County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Gates County contains iron, manganese, fluoride, and chloride. Iron reaches very high levels, while manganese, fluoride, and chloride also exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should test their water.

These contaminants come from the rock and sediment layers of the coastal plain aquifer. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the sandy and clay layers underground. Chloride and fluoride accumulate in this area because of old seawater trapped in the rock from when the ocean covered this region long ago.

Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, which drives its mineral character. The sandy and clay sediments that make up the aquifer release iron into the water as it moves underground. Iron at these elevated levels is common across many wells in the county, though the water remains soft overall.

Chloride, fluoride, iron, and manganese are found at elevated levels in wells across Gates County. Chloride at high levels can raise blood pressure and affect people with heart conditions. Fluoride in excess can cause dental issues, especially in children whose teeth are still developing. Iron and manganese don't directly poison you, but they can build up in your body over time with long-term exposure.

Wells in this county show very high iron, which causes orange or reddish-brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and surfaces. Iron can also create a metallic taste in your water and leave sediment at the bottom of glasses. The good news is that county water is soft, so you won't deal with scale buildup inside pipes or shortened appliance lifespans like you would in harder water areas.

We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what's actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and will tell you exactly what you're dealing with. Iron removal systems and chloride reduction filters are treatment options available once you know your results.