Well Water in Hertford County: What to Test and Why

Hertford County groundwater contains radon, iron, arsenic, and chloride that well owners should be aware of. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

These contaminants come from the rock and sediment layers beneath the county. Radon seeps from natural radioactive decay in the ground. Iron and arsenic occur naturally in the sandy and clay layers of the Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system, where groundwater dissolves these minerals as it moves through the soil. Chloride can build up from salt water that exists deeper in the aquifer system or from land activities.

Groundwater in Hertford County is soft and contains moderate levels of iron. Iron concentrates here because the sandy and clay aquifer materials naturally contain iron-bearing minerals that dissolve into groundwater over time. Most wells in this county show some iron presence, making it a common feature of the water supply.

Wells in Hertford County have been found to exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, chloride, iron, and radon. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in your home and raises lung cancer risk. High chloride levels and excess iron also create health concerns for drinking water.

The iron in county wells causes orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. Iron can clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time. The good news is that the water in this county is soft, so you won't have scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespan like you would in harder-water areas.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel, since multiple contaminants exceed standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and can identify which contaminants need treatment like radon aeration systems or arsenic removal filters.