Well Water in Pitt County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Pitt County contains iron, radon, and PFOS compounds that well owners need to know about. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, including chloride, iron, PFOA, PFOS, and radon, making them a real concern.

These contaminants come from different sources in the local geology. Iron occurs naturally in the sand and clay layers of the coastal plain aquifer system beneath the county. Radon enters groundwater from radioactive minerals in these same rock layers. PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that have leaked into groundwater from industrial sites, landfills, or firefighting training areas where they were used or disposed of over time.

Groundwater in this county is moderately high in iron, which is the main mineral characteristic you will encounter. The iron comes from the natural breakdown of iron-bearing minerals in the sandy and clay soils and bedrock that make up the aquifer. This moderate iron presence is common across many wells throughout Pitt County.

Wells in Pitt County contain chloride, iron, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Chloride and radon increase the risk of kidney and heart problems with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune system harm. Iron at high levels can damage organs over time.

County well water with elevated iron causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in your water or rusty-colored buildup in pipes. These stains are hard to remove and get worse over time. The low sodium and sulfate levels in this area are not a concern for your home.

We recommend a comprehensive water test right away since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in county wells. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it correctly. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters and radon mitigation systems can address multiple concerns.