Well Water in Edgecombe County: What to Test and Why

Edgecombe County groundwater contains PFOS, PFOA, iron, and chloride at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present in amounts serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals used in firefighting foam and some industrial products that have leaked into groundwater through local contamination sites and past disposal practices. Iron and chloride come from the natural rock and soil layers in the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain, where minerals dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the ground. Both human activities and geology contribute to what you find in your well.

Groundwater in this county is soft and low in minerals overall, with very little iron detected in most wells despite iron appearing as a contaminant in the data. The soft water comes from the sandy and clay-rich layers that make up the aquifer in this region, which do not hold large amounts of hardness minerals. Most wells in Edgecombe County show this same soft water pattern.

Wells in Edgecombe County show elevated levels of chloride, iron, PFOA, and PFOS above EPA health standards. Chloride at high levels can be a concern for people with heart or kidney problems. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that build up in your body over time and have been linked to health issues including liver damage, thyroid problems, and effects on the immune system. Iron itself is not toxic but can indicate other contaminants may be present.

The good news is that the minerals in county wells are generally low, which means you probably won't see staining, scale buildup, or taste and odor problems that plague harder-water areas. Your appliances should not wear out faster from mineral deposits. Water quality feels normal in most county wells when it comes to everyday use and appearance.

Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's 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 panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and the chemicals of concern in your area--this typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or ion exchange systems can remove many of these contaminants.