Well Water in Mecklenburg County: What to Test and Why

Mecklenburg County well owners should be aware of manganese, radon, and iron in their groundwater. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards and represent moderate to elevated concerns for your water supply.

These metals and radioactive gas come naturally from the crystalline bedrock beneath the county. As water moves through cracks and spaces in the rock, it dissolves manganese and iron from the minerals in the stone, while radon gas seeps up from radioactive elements deep in the earth.

Groundwater in this county is soft, characterized by moderate iron levels that come from the breakdown of iron-bearing minerals in the crystalline rock. The water's low calcium and magnesium content means it stays soft as it flows through these ancient stones. Iron at moderate levels appears in many wells across the county, though individual wells vary in how much they contain.

Wells in Mecklenburg County contain iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your home through water and increases your risk of lung cancer over time. Manganese can affect your nervous system with long-term exposure, especially in children. Iron itself does not pose a direct health risk at the levels found here, but it can carry other contaminants into your home.

The iron and manganese in county wells create staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water or see orange, brown, or black discoloration. Your well water is soft, so you should not experience scale buildup in pipes or on appliances.

We recommend a comprehensive testing panel for metals and radon to find out what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could be higher or lower than the county average. Testing costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what treatment your well needs. Depending on your results, treatment options include radon aeration systems and iron filters to remove these contaminants.