Well Water in Wake County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Wake County contains radon, lead, PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, uranium, and elevated chloride and iron. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention for your well.

These contaminants come from different sources in the county's geology and land use. Radon and uranium occur naturally in the sand and clay layers of the Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system beneath Wake County. Lead and the PFOA/PFOS family of chemicals enter groundwater through industrial activity, urban runoff, and past use of firefighting foams at military and airport facilities. Chloride levels rise where saltwater intrusion occurs near the coast or where road salt and urban development affect shallow groundwater.

Groundwater in Wake County is soft with moderate iron as the main mineral character. The sand and clay aquifer layers naturally release iron into water as it moves underground. Iron is common enough in Wake County wells that many residents encounter it, though levels and occurrence vary from well to well.

Wells in Wake County have been found to contain chloride, iron, lead, PFHXS, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and uranium at levels above EPA health standards. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children, and can cause learning problems and behavior issues. Uranium builds up in bones and kidneys and increases cancer risk. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS are human-made chemicals that can affect the immune system, liver, and thyroid function. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it over time.

The good news is that Wake County wells are soft, so you won't see heavy staining from mineral deposits or scale buildup in your pipes and appliances. Your water should taste and smell normal from a mineral standpoint. Hard water problems like shortened water heater lifespan are not a concern here.

We recommend getting your well tested right away. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, chemicals, and radioactive elements typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, or radon removal can address these concerns once you know what you are dealing with.