Well Water in New Hanover County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in New Hanover County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment.

These metals and salts come from the natural rock and sand layers beneath the county. The sandy and clay-rich geology of the coastal plain naturally releases iron and manganese into groundwater as water moves slowly through the soil. Chloride and salts accumulate in this area because of both natural mineral deposits in the rock and saltwater from the nearby ocean that can seep into shallow groundwater zones.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high levels of iron and sodium in addition to calcium and magnesium from the surrounding rock. The sandy coastal plain aquifer dissolves minerals as water passes through, concentrating these elements over time. Most wells in New Hanover County show these hard-water characteristics and elevated iron and sodium.

Wells in New Hanover County sometimes contain arsenic, chloride, iron, and manganese above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer, heart disease, and nerve damage. Iron and manganese at high levels can harm your organs and affect how your body uses nutrients. Chloride does not have a direct health standard, but very high amounts can affect people with certain health conditions.

The extreme hardness in county wells causes real problems at home. Hard water leaves white crusty buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It makes soap and shampoo work poorly, leaves spots on dishes, and can make your hair feel sticky. Very hard water also wears out water heaters and dishwashers faster than normal. Some wells in this county have iron that stains laundry orange and leaves rust marks on sinks and bathtubs.

We recommend testing your well as soon as possible, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it correctly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will tell you exactly what you are dealing with. Water softeners can help with hardness, and special filters remove arsenic and iron from your water.