Well Water in Charlotte County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Charlotte County contains manganese, radon, and arsenic. Manganese and radon exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should test their water and consider treatment.

These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. The Early Mesozoic basin rocks that hold the groundwater naturally release manganese and contain uranium that breaks down into radon. Arsenic also occurs naturally in these rock formations.

Groundwater in this county is soft and low in salt, but it contains moderate levels of iron. The basin rocks dissolve iron as water moves through them over time. Most wells in the county show this iron presence, though levels vary from well to well.

Wells in Charlotte County contain manganese and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese exposure can affect how your brain and nervous system work, especially in children and babies. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over time. Both of these contaminants need attention in county wells.

The good news is that wells in this county are soft, so you won't see heavy scale buildup or the damage that hard water causes to water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice some staining from moderate iron levels, but this is mainly a cosmetic issue that affects appearance rather than your health or appliance lifespan.

We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what you're actually dealing with so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and radon panel usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Once you know your results, options like aeration systems for manganese and radon mitigation can be discussed with a water professional.