Well Water in Iredell County: What to Test and Why

Manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon are present in Iredell County groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants warrant attention from well owners.

Manganese and radon occur naturally as water moves through the crystalline bedrock underlying this county. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have entered groundwater from industrial sources and commercial products, contaminating wells across the region through groundwater flow pathways.

Groundwater in this county is soft with low iron and minimal salt content, reflecting the composition of the crystalline rock below. The water's soft character is common across wells in Iredell County.

Wells in Iredell County can contain manganese, radon, PFOA, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can affect how your nervous system develops and works. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs and increases cancer risk over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that build up in your body and have been linked to health problems including liver damage and immune system issues.

The good news is that wells in this county are soft with low levels of iron, sodium, and other minerals. You should not experience staining, scale buildup, or metallic tastes in your water. Your pipes and appliances should not wear out faster than normal from mineral deposits.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, radon, and PFOA and PFOS, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters and radon ventilation systems can address these concerns if testing finds them in your well.