Groundwater in Person County contains iron, manganese, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations and require attention from well owners.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the crystalline rock beneath this county. PFOS is a human-made chemical that enters groundwater from industrial sources and contaminated sites. The county's crystalline bedrock naturally releases these metals as water passes through cracks and fractures over time.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron and elevated calcium and magnesium from the crystalline rock. Water moving through these ancient minerals picks up dissolved metals and hardness as it flows underground. Many wells across Person County show these same iron and manganese signatures from the local geology.
Wells in Person County can contain iron, manganese, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect your blood and organs over time. PFOS is a human-made chemical that builds up in your body and can harm your immune system and liver. These concerns depend on how much of each contaminant is actually in your specific well.
The moderate iron levels common in this county's groundwater often leave orange or rust-colored stains on plumbing fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. The moderately hard water here can leave scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is present in your water. Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county, and testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can address these contaminants once you know your specific results.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 12 | — | Low | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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