Well Water in Hyde County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Hyde County contains lead, iron, chloride, arsenic, fluoride, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants--chloride, sulfate, fluoride, iron, and arsenic--exceed EPA health standards, and lead is also present, making water testing important for your well.

These contaminants come from the local rock and soil layers in the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain. The sandy and clay-rich layers underground naturally contain iron and minerals that dissolve into groundwater. Saltwater from the ocean has seeped into some areas, bringing chloride and sulfate. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the rock itself.

Groundwater in Hyde County is very hard, driven by high levels of calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below, along with elevated sodium and iron. The flat, coastal plain geology and the mix of sand, clay, and mineral-rich layers cause these minerals to concentrate in the water. These characteristics are common across wells in this county.

Wells in Hyde County commonly contain chloride, sulfate, fluoride, iron, arsenic, and lead at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are serious concerns because they can damage your organs and nervous system, especially in children. Fluoride at high levels can affect your bones and teeth. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems.

The water in this county is extremely hard, which means you will see white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. Your water heater, dishwasher, and other appliances will wear out faster because of this hardness. The high iron and sodium content can leave rust-colored stains on sinks and clothes and may give your water a salty taste.

We recommend you get your well tested right away with a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and nitrate. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or water softeners can address multiple concerns at once.