Well Water in Richmond County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Richmond County contains PFOS, PFOA, and iron at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. Iron shows moderate concentration while both PFOS and PFOA are present at concerning levels that require attention from well owners.

PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that come from industrial use and pollution that has seeped into groundwater over decades. Iron occurs naturally in the sand and clay layers beneath Richmond County and dissolves into water as it moves through the ground. Both sources affect wells across this region because the sandy and clay aquifer system here allows contaminants to travel downward and spread.

Groundwater in Richmond County is soft, with iron as the main mineral that stands out. Iron dissolves from the rock layers that make up the aquifer in this coastal plain area. Most wells in the county show this iron presence because of how common it is in the underground materials here.

Wells in Richmond County commonly contain iron, PFOA, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Iron at elevated levels can cause problems with your blood and organs over time. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that build up in your body and have been linked to serious health issues including kidney disease, thyroid problems, and developmental effects in children. These contaminants come from various sources and accumulate in your system with long-term exposure.

The iron in county well water generally causes orange or brown staining on clothes, fixtures, and surfaces. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in your water. Iron can also clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time. Since the water in this county is soft, you won't face the scale buildup that hard water causes, so your appliances should function normally.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what's common here. Testing is the only way to know what's actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and chemicals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can address these contaminants.