Well Water in Dare County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Dare County contains arsenic, iron, chloride, lead, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.

These contaminants come from the sandy and clay layers that make up the coastal plain geology here. Saltwater seeping in from the ocean and brackish sounds pushes chloride into the groundwater. The natural rocks and sediments in this area naturally contain arsenic and iron, which dissolve into water as it flows underground. Old saltwater that was trapped in these sediments long ago also leaves behind high sodium levels.

Groundwater in Dare County is very hard, driven by extremely high sodium and elevated iron. The coastal plain sediments and the saltwater influence create conditions where these minerals stay dissolved in the water. Most wells in this county show these hard-water characteristics.

Wells in Dare County commonly have arsenic, lead, chloride, and iron at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time raises the risk of cancer and can damage organs. Lead harms children's brain development and learning and causes problems in adults too. High chloride and iron can also affect your health with long-term exposure.

The water in this county is very hard, which means you will see staining on fixtures and clothes, along with stubborn scale buildup in pipes and on appliances. The high iron and sodium content creates visible discoloration and leaves deposits. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by years. You may notice a salty or metallic taste in your tap water.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Every well is different, and yours could 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. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can address many of these contaminants.