Well Water in Orange County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Orange County contains radon, iron, and PFOA that well owners should monitor. Iron, PFOA, PFOS, and radon all exceed EPA health standards in some wells here, making testing and treatment important.

These contaminants come from different sources in the county. Radon enters groundwater from natural breakdown of uranium in the crystalline bedrock beneath the surface. Iron dissolves from minerals in that same hard rock as water moves through cracks and spaces underground. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater through past manufacturing or disposal practices in the area.

Groundwater in Orange County is soft with moderate iron as the main mineral character. Iron concentrates here because the Piedmont and Blue Ridge rock contains iron minerals that dissolve as groundwater passes through. Most wells in this county show some level of iron present in the water.

Wells in Orange County commonly have iron, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Iron at high levels can damage your organs over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can harm your immune system and increase cancer risk. Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.

The moderate iron levels found in county wells can stain your laundry, dishes, and plumbing fixtures orange or brown. You may notice a metallic taste in your water. Iron can also leave rust-colored buildup on faucets and inside pipes.

We recommend a comprehensive water test since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options include activated carbon filters for PFOA and PFOS, radon removal systems, and iron filters.