Groundwater in Chowan County contains iron, manganese, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing important for well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from the natural rock and sediment that make up the aquifer system here. The coastal plain geology contains layers of sand, clay, and silt that hold minerals and salts. Chloride and sodium accumulate in the groundwater as water moves slowly through these sediment layers over time. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the sediment as groundwater flows through it.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated iron and very high sodium as the main mineral characteristics. Iron dissolves from the sandy and silty layers in the aquifer, and sodium concentrates as water moves through the sediment. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Chowan County contain several substances at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Chloride and fluoride can affect kidney and bone health with long-term exposure. Nitrate poses serious risks to infants and young children, interfering with oxygen in the blood. Iron and manganese, while primarily causing aesthetic problems, can indicate other water quality concerns when found together at elevated levels.
The mineral content in county wells creates visible and practical problems. High sodium levels and moderate hardness mean scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and inside water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan. Iron causes reddish or brownish staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste or odor in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Every well in this county is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so it can be properly treated. Iron removal systems and water softeners are common solutions for the mineral concerns found in this area.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 277 | 70% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 21 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 292 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 55 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 67 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 61 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 282 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 56 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 248 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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