Well Water in McDowell County: What to Test and Why

Manganese and radon are the contaminants present in McDowell County groundwater that well owners should be aware of. Both exceed EPA health standards in some wells, making them a concern worth testing for.

Manganese comes from the rock itself--the granite, gneiss, and other hard crystalline rock that makes up the mountains here naturally contains manganese minerals. Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when uranium in the same bedrock breaks down over time and seeps into groundwater. These contaminants are tied directly to the county's geological foundation and are common in this part of the Blue Ridge.

Groundwater in McDowell County is soft, with very low levels of iron, calcium, and other minerals that would make water hard. The crystalline rock that feeds these wells does not dissolve easily, so minerals do not build up in the water the way they do in areas with limestone or softer rocks below. This soft-water character is consistent across most wells in the county.

Wells in McDowell County show elevated levels of manganese and radon. Manganese at high levels can affect the nervous system and cause problems with movement and learning, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks underground and can increase the risk of lung cancer when people breathe it in over many years.

The good news is that the minerals in county well water are generally at low levels. Iron, sodium, and hardness are all quite low, so you probably won't see orange staining, salt buildup, or scale inside your pipes and appliances. Your water should taste clean without salty or bitter flavors.

We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, and radon costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know for certain what needs treatment. If testing shows elevated manganese or radon, filtration systems and aeration can help remove these contaminants from your water.