Well Water in Pasquotank County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Pasquotank County contains arsenic, iron, manganese, and chloride. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards in this area, making them a real concern for well owners.

These metals and salts come from the rock layers beneath the county. The coastal plain aquifer system here is made of sand, clay, and gravel that naturally contain iron and manganese. Arsenic and chloride occur where saltwater from the ocean pushes into freshwater zones, especially near the coast and in low-lying areas.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high iron and very high levels of sodium. The sandy and clay-rich rock layers here dissolve and release these minerals into the water as it moves underground. These characteristics show up in wells across the county.

Wells in Pasquotank County have been found with arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and increases your risk of cancer and heart disease. Iron and manganese at high levels can cause nervous system problems, especially in children and infants. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect your kidneys and digestive system.

Water with very high iron and manganese causes stubborn orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are hard to remove. The water may taste metallic or smell like rotten eggs. With water this hard, scale builds up inside pipes and appliances, which shortens the lifespan of your water heater and dishwasher and makes them work less efficiently.

We recommend testing your well water as soon as possible, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and will show exactly what you are dealing with. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or ion exchange systems can remove arsenic and reduce iron and hardness.