Well Water in Campbell County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Campbell County contains arsenic, chloride, and E. coli as detected contaminants. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.

Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the Early Mesozoic basin rocks beneath this county. These rocks formed in an ancient basin and contain minerals that dissolve slowly into the water as it moves through the ground. E. coli can enter from surface contamination near wells, though it is not widespread in the county.

Groundwater in Campbell County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the basin rocks below. These minerals accumulate in the water as it passes through the rock layers over time. Moderate hardness is common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Campbell County sometimes have arsenic, chloride, and bacteria at levels that need attention. Arsenic can harm your kidneys and other organs over time. E. coli bacteria can cause serious stomach and digestive illness. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with heart or kidney problems.

The county's groundwater is moderately hard, which means you might notice some buildup of scale on fixtures and inside pipes. Your water heater and dishwasher could wear out faster than normal. Soap may not work as well as it should. The sodium and sulfate levels are low, so you should not have taste or odor problems from those minerals.

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 in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel that includes testing for arsenic, bacteria, and chloride, which typically costs $200 to $400. Once you have your results, treatment options like activated carbon filters or chlorination can address these concerns.