Well Water in Sampson County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Sampson County contains iron and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards, along with chloride. These contaminants warrant attention from well owners, particularly arsenic which poses health concerns at the levels detected in this county.

Iron and arsenic come from the rock layers underground in this coastal plain area. The sand and clay formations here naturally contain these minerals, and as groundwater moves slowly through these layers over time, it picks them up. Arsenic and iron dissolve into water in these conditions and accumulate to levels that wells can draw up.

Groundwater in Sampson County is soft but notable for its elevated iron content. Iron concentrates in this area because the sand and clay aquifer contains iron-bearing minerals that release iron as water passes through. High iron is a widespread characteristic across wells in this county.

Wells in Sampson County show arsenic and iron at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer, heart disease, and damage to your nerves and skin. Iron itself is not toxic, but it comes with arsenic in many county wells, so both need attention.

High iron in county well water causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. It can also make water taste metallic or leave a bad smell. The good news is that wells in this county are soft, so you won't see the white crusty buildup and scale that hard water causes on pipes and appliances.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel that checks for both arsenic and iron, since both are concerns in this county. Your well could have higher or lower levels than the county average--testing is the only way to know what you're actually dealing with. A comprehensive metals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or iron removal systems can address both contaminants.