Wilkes County groundwater contains radon, sulfate, and arsenic that well owners should monitor. Radon and sulfate levels exceed EPA health standards in this county and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the crystalline rocks that make up the county's foundation. Radon is released naturally as uranium in the rock slowly breaks down. Sulfate and arsenic occur where water flows through mineral deposits and fractures in the bedrock over long periods.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the crystalline rock as water moves through it. The rock layers here naturally contain these minerals, which enter the water slowly as it travels underground. Moderately hard water is common across wells in Wilkes County.
Wells in Wilkes County commonly have radon and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that can build up in your home and increase your risk of lung cancer over time. Sulfate at high levels can cause digestive problems, especially for babies and people with certain health conditions.
The moderately hard water in county wells can leave spots on dishes and glasses, create soap scum in showers, and leave stains on clothes. You might notice a buildup of scale on faucets and inside pipes. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by creating mineral deposits inside them.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you are actually dealing with so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like radon removal systems and sulfate filters can help address these specific concerns.
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 ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 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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