Well Water in Wilkes County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Wilkes County contains iron, manganese, and arsenic. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards in this county's wells, while arsenic is also present and warrants attention.

The crystalline rock beneath Wilkes County naturally holds these metals in its mineral structure. As groundwater slowly seeps through cracks and pores in the rock over many years, it dissolves iron and manganese. Arsenic is also released into the water this way as part of the natural rock chemistry.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with high iron as the main mineral character. The crystalline bedrock here does not contribute calcium and magnesium the way limestone does in other areas, so the water stays soft. Iron is a common feature across many wells in Wilkes County.

Wells in Wilkes County commonly have iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that build up in your body over time. Exposure to high levels can harm your nervous system, bones, and organs. Arsenic is also a concern in some county wells and can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term drinking.

Iron at elevated levels causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. It can make water taste metallic and leave a bitter flavor. Manganese creates similar staining and can turn water dark or cloudy. These mineral deposits build up on fixtures and in pipes, creating maintenance headaches.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or aeration systems can help remove these metals once you know your specific levels.