Well Water in Northampton County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Northampton County contains arsenic, iron, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are a real concern and well owners should test their water to know what they are drinking.

The sandy and clay layers of the coastal plain aquifer naturally contain arsenic in some areas, which dissolves into groundwater over time. Iron comes from minerals in the rock and soil. PFOS is a human-made chemical that has contaminated groundwater in scattered locations, likely from industrial use or disposal sites in the county or nearby areas.

Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron as the main mineral character. Iron dissolves from the rock and sediment that make up the aquifer in this region. These characteristics show up in many wells across the county, though levels and types of contamination vary from one well to another.

Wells in Northampton County sometimes have arsenic, iron, and PFOS above EPA health limits. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can cause serious health problems like cancer and damage to your heart and kidneys. Iron at elevated levels does not pose direct health risks but indicates other concerns in the water. PFOS is a chemical that can affect your immune system and liver.

The iron in county wells creates practical problems even at moderate levels. You may see orange or brown stains on your sink, shower, and laundry. Iron can leave a metallic taste in your water and create an unpleasant smell. The good news is that wells in this county are generally soft, so you should not have issues with scale buildup on pipes and appliances.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Arsenic and PFOS can be removed with specific filters, and iron responds well to treatment systems.