Well Water in Yadkin County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Yadkin County contains manganese, radon, and arsenic. Manganese and radon exceed EPA health standards in this county's wells, which means well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

These contaminants come from the rock itself. Yadkin County sits on hard crystalline rock that naturally releases manganese and radon as water moves through cracks and fractures over time. Arsenic also occurs naturally in this rock type.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with low levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfate. The hard crystalline rock here does not dissolve easily, so minerals do not accumulate in the water the way they do in areas with limestone or shale. Most wells in Yadkin County show this same soft water character.

Wells in Yadkin County contain manganese and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese at high levels can affect how your brain works and cause problems with movement and coordination, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in homes and causes lung cancer when you breathe it in over time. Both of these contaminants need attention to protect your family's health.

The good news is that wells in this county are soft and low in sodium, so you will not have scaling problems or damage to your pipes and appliances from mineral buildup. Your water should taste clean without salty flavors. Hard water staining and soap scum will not be concerns for most wells here.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for metals and radioactive substances, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Filters and aeration systems can remove manganese, while radon needs ventilation or special treatment to reduce it in your home.