Well Water in Jones County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Jones County contains iron, arsenic, and chloride. Iron levels here exceed the EPA health standard and are very high, while arsenic and chloride are present but at levels below health limits.

Iron enters the groundwater naturally from the rock layers of the Castle Hayne aquifer, which contains iron-bearing minerals. As water moves slowly through these rocks over time, iron dissolves and accumulates in the water supply.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated iron and calcium from the aquifer rock. The Castle Hayne formation naturally releases these minerals into water as it flows through. Hard water and elevated iron are found in most wells across Jones County.

Wells in Jones County commonly have iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Drinking water with too much iron can affect your blood and organs over time. Children and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk from elevated iron exposure.

Wells in this county also tend to have hard water, which causes white scale buildup inside pipes and on faucets. You might notice rust stains on sinks and in bathtubs. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap and detergent work less effectively in hard water.

We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually there so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs around $200-400 and can identify iron and other concerns that may need treatment like iron removal systems or water softeners.