Groundwater in Nash County contains radon, PFOS, and PFOA--human-made and naturally occurring contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are also present at levels that reach or surpass EPA limits, along with PFHXS, making these concerns moderate to elevated.
Nash County sits on a sand and clay aquifer system that naturally produces iron and manganese as water moves through the rock layers. Radon seeps into groundwater from radioactive minerals in the bedrock below. PFOS, PFOA, and PFHXS are industrial chemicals that enter the water from past manufacturing, landfills, or firefighting foam use at military or airport sites in or near the county.
Groundwater in Nash County is soft, with moderate iron being the main mineral that shapes its character. Iron dissolves naturally from the sand and clay as water filters slowly underground. Elevated iron is a common finding across many wells throughout the county, though the specific levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Nash County commonly contain iron, manganese, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, along with radon. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect the kidneys and other organs over time. PFAS chemicals have been linked to health concerns including liver damage and immune system effects. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure.
The iron and manganese in county wells can leave rust-colored or brown stains on clothes, fixtures, and pipes. You might notice a metallic taste in the water or a musty smell. These stains are hard to remove and can damage plumbing and appliances over time. The good news is that Nash County's water is soft, so you won't deal with scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespans from hardness.
Since Nash County has multiple contaminants of concern, we recommend a comprehensive panel to see what is actually in your well. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400, and treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can address many of these 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 21 | 76% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 21 | 67% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 16 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 21 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 21 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | 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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