Well Water in Iredell County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Iredell County contains manganese, iron, and radon at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. PFOA and PFOS are also present above safe limits, which is concerning for long-term health risks.

These metals come from the crystalline bedrock beneath the county. As water moves slowly through cracks in this ancient rock, it dissolves iron and manganese naturally present in the mineral structure. Radon enters groundwater from radioactive elements within the same bedrock. PFOA and PFOS come from human sources like industrial sites, airports, or military facilities in the region.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with low iron and low hardness overall based on measured samples. The crystalline rock here does not contain large amounts of minerals that would make water hard the way limestone does in other areas. These soft-water conditions are common across wells in the county, though radon and the industrial contaminants require attention at individual well locations.

Wells in Iredell County sometimes contain PFOA and PFOS, which are chemicals that build up in your body over time and can affect your immune system and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rock underground and can increase your risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years. Iron and manganese are metals that wells in this county can have at levels above what the EPA says is best for your health, though the amounts vary quite a bit from well to well.

The good news is that the mineral content in county wells is generally low, so you probably won't see red or brown staining from iron, crusty buildup on faucets, or the rotten-egg smell that high mineral levels can cause. Your appliances should not wear out faster than normal because of water hardness.

We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and chemicals costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what you're dealing with. If testing finds PFOA, PFOS, or radon, your water professional can discuss treatment options like activated carbon filters or aeration systems.