Groundwater in Pamlico County contains iron, manganese, radon, chloride, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant your attention.
The sand and clay layers beneath Pamlico County naturally hold iron and manganese that dissolve into groundwater as it moves through the rock. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of radioactive materials in the rock itself. Chloride and sulfate are present at elevated levels because of the county's coastal location and flat terrain, which allow saltwater from the ocean and old seawater trapped in deep underground layers to mix with freshwater aquifers.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven primarily by high levels of calcium and magnesium that come from the minerals in the sand and clay aquifer. Iron also contributes to the water's character. This combination of hardness and iron is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Pamlico County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system, especially in children. Chloride and sulfate at high concentrations raise blood pressure concerns and can harm people with certain health conditions.
The extreme hardness in county wells causes visible white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. Hard water makes soap less effective for cleaning and creates a residue on skin and hair. Iron leaves orange or brown stains on clothes, sinks, and toilets. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances by years.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like water softeners, iron filters, and radon systems can address 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 65 | 62% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 23 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 29 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 76 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 76 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 81 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
Loading recent water news…