Groundwater in Robeson County contains iron, PFOA, PFOS, and HFPO-DA. Iron reaches high levels and exceeds EPA standards, as do the three PFAS chemicals, which are human-made compounds of genuine concern.
Iron dissolves naturally from the sandy and gravelly layers that make up this region's aquifer system. PFAS chemicals enter groundwater from industrial sites, landfills, and firefighting foam used at airports and military bases. These contaminants move through the porous sediments and accumulate in the water that wells draw from.
Groundwater in this county is soft but elevated in iron. Iron concentrations here stem from the naturally iron-rich sand and gravel beneath the surface, which releases iron as water flows through. High iron levels show up across many wells in Robeson County.
Wells in Robeson County commonly contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. HFPO-DA, PFOA, and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have been found in groundwater here. These PFAS chemicals can build up in your body over time and have been linked to health concerns including liver damage, thyroid problems, and effects on the immune system. Iron also exceeds health standards in county wells and can cause digestive issues with long-term exposure.
County wells tend to have elevated iron, which creates practical problems around the house. Iron leaves orange or reddish stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Many people notice a metallic or bitter taste in their water. These stains are mainly a cleaning hassle, but the good news is that wells in this county are soft, so you won't deal with the scale buildup that hard water causes.
Every well is different, and your well may 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 it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and PFAS panel since multiple contaminants exceed standards in this area. Activated carbon filters and iron removal systems are treatment options available to 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 | 45 | 73% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 32 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 32 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 43 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 32 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 36 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 25 | — | Moderate | Low |
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.
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