Well Water in Harnett County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Harnett County contains iron, manganese, and PFOA and PFOS. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.

Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the sand and clay layers that make up the aquifer system here. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater through industrial and military sites, landfills, and wastewater. Both sources of contamination move downward through the sandy soil and reach the water below.

Groundwater in Harnett County is soft with moderate iron as the main mineral characteristic. Iron concentrates here because the sandy aquifer layers release it as water moves through the ground. These iron levels are common across many wells in the county.

Wells in Harnett County commonly contain iron, manganese, and PFOA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are naturally occurring metals that can cause problems with the brain and nervous system, especially in young children. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals used in manufacturing that can build up in your body over time and affect your immune system, liver, and other organs.

The iron in county wells can leave orange or brown stains on laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures that are hard to clean. You might notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. The good news is that the water in this county is soft, so you won't have the scale buildup problems that come with very hard water.

Testing is recommended since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and PFAS panel typically costs $200-400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Iron and manganese can be removed with filters, and PFAS chemicals can be treated with activated carbon systems.