Well Water in Pamlico County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Pamlico County contains arsenic, iron, chloride, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners need to test their water and take action.

The coastal plain geology here naturally contains arsenic and iron in the sand and clay layers where groundwater sits. Saltwater from the ocean pushes inland through these porous layers, bringing chloride into wells closer to the coast. Radon comes from natural decay of radioactive elements in the rock. Human activities on land also add chloride and other salts that seep down into the water supply.

Groundwater in this county is high in iron, which comes directly from the sand and clay sediments that make up the aquifer. Iron dissolves easily in acidic groundwater and stays dissolved as water moves underground. Most wells in this county show elevated iron, making it a widespread issue across the region.

Wells in Pamlico County are showing levels of arsenic, radon, chloride, iron, and sulfate that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in lungs and raises lung cancer risk. High chloride and sulfate levels can cause digestive problems. Iron at elevated levels can affect your organs with long-term exposure.

Iron in county wells leaves orange or brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice rust-colored water coming from your taps. Some people report a metallic taste. The moderate sodium levels and sulfate in the water can also affect how things taste. These stains are hard to remove and can build up inside pipes and appliances over time.

We recommend testing your well as soon as possible because every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and is the best way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Treating arsenic and radon requires special systems like reverse osmosis or aeration, depending on what testing shows.