Well Water in Haywood County: What to Test and Why

Arsenic, chloride, and bacteria are present in Haywood County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. Arsenic exceeds the EPA health standard in some wells, which is a health concern that requires attention.

Arsenic comes from the crystalline rock that makes up the mountains and valleys in this region. The rock naturally contains arsenic, and as groundwater flows through it over many years, the arsenic dissolves into the water. Chloride and bacteria can enter wells from road salt, septic systems, or surface water that seeps down, especially if a well is shallow or not properly sealed.

Groundwater in this county is soft and low in minerals, with low sodium and sulfate levels. The crystalline rock here does not break down easily to release large amounts of calcium and magnesium the way limestone does in other areas. Most wells in the county show this soft water character.

Arsenic has been found in wells throughout Haywood County at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time. Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause serious health problems including cancer, heart disease, and damage to your nerves and kidneys. Children and pregnant women are especially at risk from arsenic exposure.

The good news is that wells in this county are generally soft, which means you won't deal with the stubborn staining, scale buildup, or appliance damage that comes with hard water. Your water shouldn't leave orange or brown stains in your sinks and toilets or create crusty buildup on your fixtures. The mineral levels are low enough that most people won't notice any taste or odor problems either.

We recommend testing your well for arsenic right away, since it has no color, taste, or smell. Every well is different, and your well might have higher or lower levels than what is typical in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive test costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will check for arsenic along with other potential contaminants. If arsenic is found, treatment options like special filters or ion exchange systems can remove it from your water.