Groundwater in Durham County contains iron, manganese, PFOS, and PFOA. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, as do PFOS and PFOA, so these are contaminants well owners should test for and be aware of.
Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the crystalline rock that makes up the Piedmont geology beneath Durham County. PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater through contamination from industrial sites, airports, or firefighting activities in the area. These sources release the chemicals into the ground, where they move downward and reach the water table.
Groundwater in Durham County is moderately hard, driven by iron concentration in the water. The crystalline rock below releases iron as water flows through it over time. Iron is a common finding across wells in this county, though the amount varies from well to well.
Wells in Durham County can contain iron, manganese, PFOA, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that build up in your body over time and can harm your organs and nervous system. PFOA and PFOS are man-made chemicals used in industrial products that accumulate in your blood and have been linked to health concerns including thyroid problems, liver damage, and immune system effects.
The iron in county wells can stain your clothes, dishes, and plumbing fixtures with rust-colored marks that are hard to remove. Iron can also create a bitter or metallic taste in your water. Manganese adds to these staining problems. The water here is moderately hard, which means you may see scale buildup in pipes and on faucets, and soap won't lather as well. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
Every well is different, and 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 well so it can be treated properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems for PFOA and PFOS removal, and iron filters or water softeners for mineral concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 88% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 11 | 45% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 7 | 43% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 19 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | Low | Low |
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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