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EJ clinic student taking water sample from well headWhat are the common contaminants found in well water?

In most cases groundwater is relatively safe for consumption; however, ground water contamination can occur from natural, animal, and/or human sources. These contaminants can include minerals such as nitrates, chemicals such as lead, arsenic, PFAS (forever chemicals), and bacteria such as E. coli or other fecal coliforms. Contamination may be occurring because of the natural geology of the well, nearby sources (industrial discharge, toxic spills, waste disposal sites etc.), flooding, or agricultural run-off. Lead, arsenic, iron, manganese, low pH, and harmful coliform bacteria are among the commonly found contaminants in well water in North Carolina (NC DHHS). Some contaminants may cause a change in the taste, color, or odor of your water; however, many are ‘invisible’. The best way to ensure safe well water is frequent testing. Well water is not regulated under state or federal law, so it is up to the well owner to make sure that the water is safe for consumption.

When should I get my well tested?

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) recommends:

  • Testing yearly for total and fecal coliform bacteria.You should also check your wellhead yearly to inspect for cracks/openings where contaminants could enter the well. The well head area should be clear of any debris, animal droppings, etc.
  • Testing every two years for heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, lead, copper and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Testing every five years for pesticides

Additional testing is recommended if there are pre-existing or well-known problems with well water in your area, if you notice a change in water quality, if your well is situated near a contamination source (e.g. landfill, concentrated animal feeding operation, etc.), or if any part of the well system is damaged or breached. Testing for nitrates is recommended if there are any infants or pregnant people living in the home.

water samples on iceHow can I get my well tested?

Testing can be done through the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health by contacting your local health department or through a state-certified commercial laboratory. Below is contact information for State and County Environmental Health Departments:

Caswell County Environmental Health Department: (336) 694-9731

Alamance County Environmental Health Department: (336) 570-6367

Sampson County Environmental Health Services: (910) 592-4675

NC Department of Health & Human Services: (919) 707-5900

You may also find a list of state-certified commercial laboratories here.

The wellcare® Hotline can also provide support for well owners: (888) 395-1033.

Free Water Testing

Free water testing may be available by participating in water testing opportunities offered by community organizations, like the Anderson Community Group and Environmental Justice Community Action Network.

Well Maintenance

The following is a list of NC certified well contractors in Caswell and Alamance Counties.

  • Michael Vaught, EPIS, P.A. – Statewide
    • Cell: (919)-740-0284
    • Office: (919)-929-8363
  • The Water Specialist Inc – serving Caswell, Alamance & Orange Counties
    • (919) 732-1578
  • Water Wizards Inc – serving Caswell, Alamance, & Person Counties
    • (336) 322-9355
  • D & Y WELL DRILLING – Statewide
    • (336) 674-9198
    • byow2@triad.rr.com
  • Cannady Bros Well Drilling, Inc, – serving Roseboro
    • (910) 564-6207
  • House & Faircloth Well Drilling – serving Salemburg
    • (910) 525-4033
  • Jeffery Jackson Warren – serving Roseboro
    • (910) 567-5287
  • Larry Wiliford’s Well Drilling – serving Dunn
    • (910) 567-2579

The Well Water Trust can also help residents find affordable payment options for well construction and repairs: (833) 539-8200.

What can I do if my well is contaminated?

If your water shows contamination after testing, a Point of Use (POU) or Point of entry (POE) treatment option can be installed to remove the contamination. Point of use treatment devices only treat the water meant for personal consumption (i.e. drinking or cooking). An example of point of use treatment systems are under the sink carbon filters. Point of entry systems treat the water before it enters the household, therefore ensuring treated water at all points in the household (i.e. including water for drinking, cooking, bathing, etc.). Typically, point of entry systems are meant for treating larger volumes of water and are more expensive than point of use treatment options. A treatment option should be chosen based on the nature of the contaminant found.