Well Water in Mitchell County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Mitchell County contains arsenic, chloride, and fecal coliform bacteria. All of these contaminants are found at low levels that do not exceed EPA health standards.

The Valley and Ridge aquifers in this county are made of layered rock with some natural arsenic present in the stone itself. Chloride and fecal coliform can seep in from road salt, animal waste, and septic systems on the surface, but the rock layers here filter out most of these substances before they reach deep wells. The geology of this area works as a natural barrier that keeps contamination from building up.

Groundwater in Mitchell County is soft, with low levels of dissolved minerals like sodium and sulfate. The Valley and Ridge rock here does not contain large amounts of limestone or iron-bearing minerals that would add hardness or iron to the water. These soft water characteristics are common across the county's wells.

Wells in Mitchell County have not been found with contaminants exceeding EPA health standards, which is good news for county water quality. However, arsenic and fecal coliform have shown up in some wells at levels worth watching. Arsenic in drinking water over time can increase the risk of certain cancers and skin problems. Fecal coliform indicates that bacteria from sewage or animal waste got into the well, which can cause serious stomach and digestive illness.

The good news continues with minerals. Wells in this county tend to be quite soft, meaning you probably will not see staining from iron, crusty buildup on fixtures, or the other problems that come with hard water. Your water should taste clean and your appliances should not suffer from scale damage. This is a real advantage for everyday living.

We recommend testing your well to see exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what shows up countywide. Testing is the only way to know for sure what you are dealing with so you can treat it properly if needed. A basic screening that checks for bacteria and nitrate runs around fifty to one hundred dollars. If arsenic concerns you, simple treatment systems like special filters can remove it from your water.