Well Water in Brunswick County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Brunswick County contains PFOS, PFOA, iron, manganese, chloride, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These are concerning contaminants that well owners should know about and test for.

PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater through industrial discharge, firefighting foam use, and contaminated sites. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the sandy and clay layers of the coastal plain aquifer system. Chloride and sulfate come from both natural saltwater intrusion near the coast and from human activities like road salt and waste disposal.

Groundwater in this county is hard and very high in iron, driven primarily by dissolved iron from the aquifer rock. The sandy coastal plain geology here naturally releases iron as water moves through the layers. These characteristics are widespread across the county's wells, though individual well results vary.

Wells in Brunswick County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and sulfate are present at elevated levels in county groundwater. PFOA and PFOS are also found in some wells at concerning concentrations. These "forever chemicals" do not break down in the body and can accumulate over time, potentially affecting the immune system, liver, and thyroid. Iron and manganese at high levels can also pose health risks with long-term exposure.

The mineral content in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life impacts. Iron leaves reddish-brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. The water may have a metallic taste and unpleasant odor. Hard water reduces how well soap and shampoo work and leaves white scale buildup inside pipes and on appliances. Over time, this extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

Because every well is different, your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all these concerns, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softeners and iron removal systems can help address these mineral issues.