Groundwater in Long County contains radon, manganese, and arsenic. Manganese and radon are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
The surficial aquifer system here sits close to the surface in sandy and clay layers, making it vulnerable to naturally occurring metals. Radon seeps up from radioactive minerals in the shallow rock. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in these surface and near-surface deposits and can dissolve into water as it moves through the ground.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and mineral-rich layers beneath. These minerals accumulate as rainwater soaks through the shallow sandy and clay materials and picks up dissolved minerals along the way. Hard water is widespread across wells in Long County.
Wells in Long County commonly have manganese and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can affect the nervous system with long-term exposure, particularly in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over time. Arsenic also appears in some county wells and can cause serious health problems from long-term drinking water exposure.
Hard water is common in Long County wells and can leave scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters over time. This buildup can reduce water pressure and shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. You may notice white or chalky deposits on faucets and fixtures. Hard water can also make soap less effective for cleaning.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will check for manganese, radon, arsenic, and other concerns. Water treatment options like radon ventilation systems and manganese removal filters can help protect your family once you know what you are dealing with.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Iron | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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