Well Water in Tazewell County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Tazewell County contains arsenic, chloride, and E. coli. None of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so contamination levels in this county are low.

These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the Mississippian rock layers beneath the county. E. coli enters groundwater through soil contamination near wells or septic systems, but appears at low levels here.

Groundwater in Tazewell County is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock, and also carries elevated sodium. Water moving through Mississippian rock dissolves these minerals over time as it flows underground. Hard water with elevated sodium is found across most wells in the county.

Wells in Tazewell County can contain arsenic, chloride, and bacteria. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can cause serious health problems including cancer and organ damage. Chloride at high levels can harm people with certain heart conditions. Bacteria like E. coli can cause immediate illness with symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps. Your well may have these contaminants or may not--testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water.

Hard water is common in county wells and causes white, crusty scale to build up inside pipes and on fixtures like showerheads and faucets. The buildup makes soap less effective for washing and can stain your dishes and laundry. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a salty taste in the water from elevated sodium levels.

We recommend getting your well tested right away, since conditions here warrant it. Every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show exactly what you are dealing with. Once you know what is in your water, you can install the right treatment, such as a water softener for hardness or a filter system for specific contaminants.