Groundwater in Richmond County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, and manganese. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and demand your attention.
The rock beneath Richmond County is a mix of sediment and clay from an ancient basin, and it naturally contains iron and manganese. Chloride comes from road salt applied during winters and from the salt water that sits below fresh groundwater near the coast. Lead enters your water from pipes and fixtures in your home or connecting service lines, not from the ground itself.
Groundwater in this county is marked by moderate iron and moderate sodium. The sedimentary rock here releases both minerals as water passes through. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county.
Wells in Richmond County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, chloride, iron, and manganese. Arsenic exposure over time increases cancer risk and can damage organs. Lead harms the nervous system and causes developmental problems in children. Chloride at elevated levels affects people with certain health conditions who need to restrict salt intake. Iron and manganese in drinking water pose health concerns with long-term exposure.
The moderate iron levels in county wells cause orange or brown staining on laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. These minerals can leave scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The sodium present adds a salty taste to drinking water and cooking.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to learn what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. Costs for a comprehensive panel run about $200 to $400. Water softening systems or point-of-use filters can address multiple mineral concerns once you know your specific results.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 79 | 53% | 38% · 9% · 53% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 70 | 47% | 44% · 9% · 47% | Moderate | High |
| Chloride | 55 | 29% | 58% · 13% · 29% | Moderate | High |
| Arsenic | 28 | 11% | 89% · 0% · 11% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Lead | 44 | 4% | 91% · 4% · 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
| Sulfate | 29 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 29 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 13 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low |
| Nitrite | 51 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 16 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| pH | 11 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Sodium | 37 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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