Well Water in Caldwell County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Caldwell County contains arsenic, manganese, and chloride. Arsenic and manganese are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and should concern well owners.

The water picks up arsenic and manganese from the crystalline rock that makes up the bedrock here. This rock naturally contains these metals, and as water moves through cracks and spaces in the rock over time, it dissolves small amounts. Chloride comes from road salt and natural mineral deposits in the same rock layers.

Groundwater in this county is soft and low in iron, sulfate, and sodium. The crystalline bedrock here does not contain large amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium that make water hard. These low mineral levels are typical across most wells in Caldwell County.

Wells in Caldwell County commonly have arsenic and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Manganese at high levels can affect the nervous system and cause problems with learning and movement, especially in children.

The good news is that the county's water is soft and low in other minerals, so you won't deal with stubborn staining, scale buildup, or metallic taste that plague many areas. Your appliances should not wear out faster from mineral deposits.

We recommend getting your well tested to find out exactly what is in your water. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals panel will show you if arsenic and manganese are present and at what levels. Testing costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know if treatment is needed. Both arsenic and manganese can be removed with the right filtration system.