Groundwater in Yadkin County contains iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should be aware that all three contaminants are present at concerning concentrations.
Iron and manganese come from the crystalline rock deep underground in this county. As groundwater flows slowly through cracks and fractures in this ancient rock, it dissolves these metals naturally present in the mineral structure. Radon enters the water from radioactive decay within the same bedrock.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with high iron being the most notable mineral characteristic. The crystalline rock here naturally contains iron minerals that dissolve into water over time. High iron is widespread across wells in Yadkin County.
Wells in Yadkin County can exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, and radon. Iron and manganese are metals that accumulate in the body over time and can affect the nervous system and organ function. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and increases the risk of lung cancer when inhaled from drinking water and household air.
Iron at elevated levels causes orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and skin. It creates a metallic taste and can turn water cloudy or discolored. The county's water is soft, so scale buildup is not a major concern, but iron still creates visible stains and unpleasant taste problems that affect daily living.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all three concerns, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal systems and radon treatment options like aeration or activated carbon can address these problems once you know your specific levels.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | 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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