Well Water in Alamance County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Alamache County contains manganese, chloride, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFOS and PFOA). Some wells show levels of these contaminants that exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners in certain areas.

These contaminants come from different sources. Manganese occurs naturally in the crystalline rock beneath the county. Chloride can enter groundwater from road salt, septic systems, and natural sources in the rock. PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer products that have leaked into groundwater from landfills, factories, and other facilities.

Groundwater in Alamance County is soft and low in iron, manganese, and sulfate. The crystalline rock that supplies most wells in this area does not dissolve easily, so minerals do not build up in the water the way they do in limestone regions. This soft water character is common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Alamance County have been found with levels of chloride, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese at high levels can affect the nervous system and cause problems with learning and behavior, especially in children. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that build up in your body over time and have been linked to health effects including thyroid disease and kidney problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over many years.

The good news is that the mineral content in county wells is generally low, so you are unlikely to see staining, scale buildup, or changes in taste or odor from hard water. Your appliances should not wear out faster from mineral damage. Water quality in Alamance County is not creating the typical aesthetic problems seen in areas with higher mineral levels.

We recommend testing your well water because every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Since several analytes exceed health standards here, a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and nitrate is recommended and typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can address many of these concerns.