Well Water in Mecklenburg County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Mecklenburg County contains arsenic, lead, manganese, chloride, and PFOS that well owners should monitor. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

These metals and minerals come from the crystalline rock itself--granite, gneiss, and related stone that underlies the county. As water flows slowly through cracks and spaces in this ancient rock, it dissolves arsenic, lead, and manganese naturally present in the mineral structure. Chloride and sulfate can also leach from these rocks or accumulate where road salt or other human activities affect groundwater near the surface.

Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron content. The crystalline rock releases iron as water permeates through it over time, while the soft character reflects low calcium and magnesium in these granite-based aquifers. Iron at moderate levels and soft water are widespread across wells in the county given the uniform geology.

Wells in Mecklenburg County have been found to exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, chloride, lead, manganese, and PFOS. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Lead harms children's brain development and learning ability. Manganese at high levels can affect the nervous system. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body and can weaken your immune system.

Your well water in this county is soft, which is actually good news for scaling and buildup problems. Iron at moderate levels can stain laundry and fixtures orange or brown. You probably won't taste or smell problems from the mineral levels found here, and soft water won't damage your appliances the way hard water does.

We recommend getting your well tested right away with a comprehensive panel that covers all the contaminants found in county wells. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what's common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400, and treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange can address multiple concerns.