Well Water in Pender County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Pender County contains chloride, iron, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant attention.

Chloride and arsenic occur naturally in the sandy and clay layers of the coastal plain aquifer system here. Iron comes from the rock and soil minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through underground layers. All three contaminants are common in this region's geology, and salt water intrusion near the coast can push chloride levels higher in some areas.

Groundwater in this county is soft overall, but iron is the main mineral that gives the water its character. Iron dissolves from the rock layers as water flows underground, and it concentrates noticeably in many wells across Pender County.

Wells in Pender County commonly have arsenic, chloride, and iron at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and cause problems with skin, nerves, and the heart. Chloride at high levels can be harmful to people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Iron itself is not toxic at the levels found here, but it is included in this list because it indicates other water quality concerns in the county.

Iron in county wells creates visible staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. The good news is that wells in this county are generally soft, so you should not have major problems with scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespans like you would in harder water areas.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel because multiple analytes 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 and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or iron removal systems can address these concerns once you know your specific results.