Well Water in Union County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Union County contains arsenic, iron, radon, chloride, and PFOA and PFOS compounds that well owners should be aware of. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

These contaminants come from the rock itself and from human activity. Arsenic and radon occur naturally in the crystalline bedrock that makes up the Piedmont and Blue Ridge geology here. Iron also leaches from minerals in this ancient rock when it contacts groundwater. Chloride and PFOA/PFOS are often linked to road salt, industrial discharge, or septic system seepage in areas with development.

Groundwater in this county is soft but notable for elevated iron from the crystalline bedrock minerals. The rock layers here naturally contain iron-bearing minerals that dissolve slowly into water as it moves through fractures and pores underground. Iron is a common trait in wells across Union County because of how widespread these mineral-rich rocks are.

Wells in Union County have been found with arsenic, chloride, iron, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that can harm your kidneys and increase cancer risk even at low doses over time. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can affect your liver, thyroid, and immune system. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk, especially in people who smoke. Chloride at high levels can be harmful to people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

County well water shows elevated iron, which causes orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Iron can also make water taste metallic and unpleasant. The good news is that wells in this county are generally soft, so you won't deal with the stubborn scale buildup and appliance damage that hard water causes in other areas.

Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and contaminants because several health concerns are present in county wells. Testing typically costs $200 to $400 for a full panel. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, radon venting systems, or ion exchange can address specific problems once you know what you're dealing with.