Well Water in Watauga County: What to Test and Why

Watauga County groundwater contains radon, manganese, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations that well owners should address.

The Valley and Ridge rocks beneath this county naturally contain radioactive elements that break down into radon gas, which enters groundwater as it seeps through cracks and pores in the rock. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in the rock layers here and dissolve into water as it moves through the ground. These contaminants are a natural feature of the local geology, not a result of pollution.

Groundwater in this county has low iron, sodium, and sulfate levels, making it non-hard and generally clear. The rock types here do not contribute high amounts of minerals that would make water hard or give it strong tastes or odors. Most wells in this county show similar low mineral characteristics.

Arsenic, manganese, and radon have been found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Watauga County. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Manganese at high levels harms your brain and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters through water and can increase lung cancer risk when you breathe it in during showers and household water use.

The good news is that mineral levels in county wells are generally low, so staining, scale buildup, and taste or odor problems from minerals are uncommon here. Your appliances should not face early wear from hard water mineral deposits.

We recommend testing your well for arsenic, manganese, and radon as soon as possible. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will tell you exactly what you are dealing with. Depending on your results, treatment options include special filters for arsenic and manganese, or radon removal systems.