Well Water in Person County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Person County contains radon, PFOS, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

Radon enters groundwater naturally from radioactive decay in the crystalline bedrock that underlies this county. Iron also comes from the rock itself--the granite, schist, and other hard rocks here contain iron minerals that dissolve slowly into water as it moves through cracks and layers underground. PFOS is a human-made chemical that comes from industrial activity and certain consumer products in the area; it persists in groundwater because it does not break down easily.

Groundwater in this county is soft but elevated in iron, which is the main aesthetic characteristic. The crystalline rock that makes up the aquifer naturally releases iron as water flows through it over time. Iron is a common finding in wells across Person County, though the amount varies from well to well depending on how deep the well is and what rock layers it taps.

Wells in Person County show elevated iron, PFOS, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Iron at high levels can damage your organs over time. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body and can affect your immune system and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases your risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.

The moderate iron levels in county wells can cause orange or brown staining on your laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or see rust-colored deposits in your pipes. Since Person County wells are naturally soft, you probably won't deal with scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespan from hardness.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel that covers metals, minerals, bacteria, and chemicals like PFOS and radon. Testing costs around $200 to $400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Treatment options for iron include filtration systems, and radon can be removed with aeration or carbon filters.