Well Water in Scotland County: What to Test and Why

Iron and manganese are the main contaminants well owners should know about in Scotland County. These metals are showing up at levels that exceed EPA health standards.

Iron and manganese come from the sand and clay layers that make up the aquifer beneath Scotland County. As water moves slowly through these sediments, it dissolves small amounts of these metals from the rock itself. This is a natural process that happens in many wells across the coastal plain in this region.

Scotland County's groundwater is soft and low in minerals overall. The sand and clay aquifer here does not contain much dissolved rock, so calcium and magnesium stay at very low levels. These soft-water conditions are common across most wells in the county, even though iron and manganese are present naturally in the sediment.

Wells in Scotland County contain iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron can build up in your body over time and cause problems with your organs and joints. Manganese also builds up in your body and can affect how your brain and nervous system work, especially in children.

The water in this county is quite soft, which is good news for your pipes and appliances. However, the iron present can still cause staining on fixtures and laundry. You might notice a reddish or brownish tint to your water or spots on your sink and tub.

We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since 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 needs treatment in your specific well. A comprehensive metals panel usually costs between $200 and $400 and can check for both iron and manganese. Water softeners and iron filters can help reduce these contaminants.