Radon, arsenic, and chloride are present in groundwater in Swain County. Radon is the only contaminant that exceeds EPA health standards in this area, so it is the primary concern for well owners here.
Radon comes from natural radioactive decay of uranium and radium in the rock below. The carbonate rock in this region contains trace amounts of these radioactive elements, and as groundwater moves through fractures and spaces in the rock, radon gas dissolves into the water. Arsenic and chloride also occur naturally in these carbonate rocks and can seep into wells depending on local geology and well depth.
Groundwater in Swain County is soft and low in minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium. The carbonate rock here does contribute some minerals to water, but the soft conditions mean those concentrations stay low. Most wells in the county show these same soft-water characteristics, with minimal mineral content overall.
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural elements in rock deep underground. When radon enters wells, it can pose a health risk over time through both drinking the water and breathing in the gas that escapes during showers and other household use. Wells in this county have tested above EPA health standards for radon, so understanding your well's radon level is important for your family's health.
The good news is that wells in Swain County are soft and low in minerals like sodium and sulfate. You should not see staining, scale buildup, or taste and odor problems from minerals. Your water heater and appliances should have a normal lifespan without mineral-related damage.
We recommend testing your well for radon and other contaminants of concern in the county, including arsenic and chloride. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly if needed. A comprehensive metals and radon panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. If radon is found, ventilation systems and aeration treatment can reduce levels effectively.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | 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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