Well Water in Wayne County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Wayne County contains iron, radon, arsenic, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA and PFOS chemicals that well owners should monitor. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

The coastal plain geology here naturally releases iron and arsenic into groundwater as water moves through the sandy and clay layers underground. Radon seeps from natural radioactive minerals in the rock. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial sites, landfills, and past military or airport operations in the region. Chloride and sulfate also occur naturally in this sandy coastal plain environment.

Groundwater in this county is soft but notably high in iron from the sandy sediments that make up the aquifer. The iron comes from minerals in the sand and clay layers that dissolve slowly as water flows through them. Iron concentration is elevated across many wells in Wayne County.

Wells in Wayne County show elevated levels of arsenic, radon, PFOA, PFOS, chloride, iron, and sulfate above EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer and damage to your heart and kidneys. Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer when you breathe it in. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can harm your immune system, liver, and thyroid. Chloride at high levels can raise blood pressure in people who are salt-sensitive.

Iron at elevated levels in county wells causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Iron buildup can also clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time. While the hardness in this county is relatively soft, the iron problem is the main quality-of-life concern for many residents.

We recommend testing your well as soon as possible because every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is typical in Wayne County. A comprehensive metals and contaminants panel runs $200 to $400 and is the best way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Testing is the only way to understand your specific situation and protect your family. Water treatment options like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, and aeration systems can address many of these concerns depending on what your test shows.