Manganese, iron, chloride, and fluoride are present in Hyde County's groundwater, and several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards. These exceedances deserve your attention--chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, and sulfate all show concerning levels in the data.
The sandy and clay layers of the coastal plain naturally contain iron and manganese that dissolve into groundwater. Chloride and fluoride concentrate here because of the area's geology and proximity to the coast, where ancient saltwater trapped in the rock influences the water chemistry. Human activities on the land also contribute some of these contaminants over time.
The water in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium, and it carries moderate levels of iron and high levels of sodium. These minerals concentrate because of the sandy and clayey sediments that make up the aquifer and the slow movement of groundwater through them. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county.
Chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, and sulfate in Hyde County wells exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and fluoride at high levels can harm your kidneys and bones over time. Iron and manganese can affect your nervous system and organs with long-term exposure. These contaminants pose real health concerns for you and your family.
The very hard water in this county creates visible problems around your home. Iron leaves rust-colored stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry that are difficult to remove. Scale builds up inside pipes and on fixtures, reducing water flow. Hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in your water.
Your well is unique, and it may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Iron filters and water softeners can address several of these concerns.
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 | 20 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 85 | 36% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 89 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 24 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 23 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 88 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 3 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 74 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 23 | — | Moderate | 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.
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