Well Water in Carroll County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Carroll County contains radon, manganese, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that warrant attention from well owners.

The limestone and carbonate rock beneath Carroll County naturally contains manganese and iron minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the rock. Radon seeps into the water from the decay of uranium in these same rocks deep underground. The Valley and Ridge geology here creates conditions where these metals and gases accumulate in well water more readily than in neighboring counties with crystalline rock.

Groundwater in Carroll County is soft and carries moderate iron, but not high sulfate or sodium. The carbonate rocks release some iron and manganese as groundwater passes through them over time, and radon concentrations vary depending on how deep a well reaches into the rock. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Carroll County contain iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can cause problems with your blood, bones, and nervous system, especially in children and babies. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases your risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over time. Sulfate at high levels can cause digestive issues and dehydration.

The water in this county is soft, which is actually good for reducing scale buildup in pipes and appliances. However, iron in county wells can stain your clothes, dishes, and fixtures with rust-colored marks that are hard to remove. Iron can also make water taste metallic and leave a bad smell. You may notice orange or brown discoloration in sinks and on surfaces where water drips.

Testing your well is the only way to know exactly what you have in your water and how to treat it properly. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. We recommend a comprehensive water panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards--this typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Iron filters and radon treatment systems are available solutions once you know your specific levels.