Well Water in Randolph County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Randolph County contains manganese, arsenic, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers a health concern and warrant attention from well owners.

Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in the crystalline rock beneath Randolph County. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial sites, landfills, and other contaminated land. Radon seeps into groundwater from the radioactive decay of uranium in the bedrock itself. All of these contaminants are common problems across the Piedmont region where crystalline rock aquifers are the main water source.

Groundwater in Randolph County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolving from the rock as water moves through it. The crystalline rock that supplies water here naturally releases these minerals over time. Moderate hardness is widespread across wells in this county.

Wells in Randolph County commonly contain arsenic, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Manganese at high levels can damage your nervous system and cause problems with movement and thinking. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that can weaken your immune system and affect your liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.

The water in county wells tends to be moderately hard, which means you may see white scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes. Hard water can make soap less effective and leave spots on dishes and shower doors. The good news is that iron, sodium, and sulfate levels in this county are low, so staining and salty taste are not common problems here.

We recommend testing your well water as soon as possible with a comprehensive panel, since multiple serious contaminants are found in county wells. 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 water 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, reverse osmosis systems, or aeration can remove many of these contaminants.