Groundwater in Atkinson County contains arsenic, chloride, and e_coli, though contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
These contaminants come from natural sources and human activity in the shallow soil layers. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the sandy and loose materials of the surficial aquifer. E_coli enters from septic systems and other sources near the land surface, but low detection rates suggest these pathways are not widespread problems in most wells across the county.
Water in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock and soil in the surficial aquifer system. The shallow groundwater in this region naturally picks up these minerals as it moves through sediment. Hardness is a common characteristic across wells throughout the county.
The good news is that well water in Atkinson County does not show analytes exceeding EPA health standards at the county level. However, arsenic, chloride, and E. coli are contaminants of concern in some county wells. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk over many years of drinking. Chloride can affect people with heart or kidney conditions. E. coli is a bacteria that causes serious stomach illness.
County wells have moderately hard water, which means mineral buildup inside pipes and appliances. You may see white crusty deposits on faucets and fixtures or notice reduced water flow over time. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap may not lather as well, and laundry can feel stiff after washing.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed. A basic test for bacteria and nitrate costs around fifty to one hundred dollars, while a comprehensive metals panel runs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Water softeners and simple filters can address hardness and some mineral concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | 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 →Loading recent water news…