Well Water in Alexander County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Alexander County contains manganese, radon, and arsenic. Manganese and radon exceed EPA health standards in this county, so well owners should test for these contaminants.

These metals and radon come from the rock itself. Alexander County sits on crystalline bedrock that naturally contains manganese and radioactive minerals that release radon gas into groundwater as water moves slowly through cracks and spaces in the rock.

Groundwater in Alexander County is soft, with iron at moderate levels being the main aesthetic characteristic. Iron comes from the same crystalline rock that supplies manganese, as iron minerals are common in this type of bedrock and dissolve into water as it passes through. Most wells in the county show this moderate iron signature, though individual wells vary depending on depth and local rock type.

Wells in Alexander County can have manganese and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Manganese exposure over time can affect the nervous system and cause problems with memory and movement. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rocks underground and increases the risk of cancer when you breathe it in or swallow it over many years.

The good news is that wells in this county are soft, so you won't deal with heavy scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespans like people in harder water areas do. Iron is present at moderate levels in some county wells, which can cause orange or brown staining on fixtures and laundry. The water in this area generally does not have taste or odor problems from minerals.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and radon typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or aeration systems can help remove both manganese and radon once you know your specific situation.