Well Water in Robeson County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Robeson County contains iron, PFOA, PFOS, and HFPO-DA. These contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and should concern well owners in this county.

Iron comes from the rocks and sediment that make up the aquifer in this region. PFOA, PFOS, and HFPO-DA are human-made chemicals that have entered groundwater through industrial use, wastewater disposal, and contaminated products. These chemicals persist in water and move slowly through the ground layers, reaching private wells over time.

Groundwater in this county is characterized by elevated iron. This iron dissolves from the sediment and rocks in the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system as water moves through them. Iron concentrations are notably high across wells in this county compared to other areas.

Wells in Robeson County have been found to contain chemicals called HFPO-DA, PFOA, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These are "forever chemicals" that don't break down in the environment or your body. They can build up over time and cause health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, and changes to cholesterol levels. Exposure is a concern especially for children and pregnant women.

The good news is that Robeson County wells are generally soft, which means you won't see heavy staining, scale buildup, or problems with appliances from mineral deposits. However, iron is present at elevated levels in many county wells, which can cause orange or brown staining on sinks, laundry, and fixtures. Iron can also give water a metallic taste.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county, a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, and these forever chemicals is worth considering. A comprehensive test usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatments like activated carbon filters or specialized ion exchange systems can help remove these contaminants, but testing first will show you what your well actually contains and what treatment makes sense for your family.