If you're on a private well in South Carolina or North Carolina, you are solely responsible for your water safety. Unlike municipal water customers, well owners don't have a utility testing their water — and many of the most dangerous contaminants have no taste, color, or odor.
The Baseline: Annual Testing
SC DHEC and the NC Division of Water Resources both recommend that private well owners test annually at minimum for: - Coliform bacteria (including E. coli) - Nitrates - pH - Total dissolved solids (TDS)
When to Test More Frequently
Test immediately if you notice any of the following: - Sudden change in water taste, smell, or appearance - Nearby flooding, spills, or agricultural runoff - New construction, drilling, or pesticide application nearby - Family members experiencing GI illness - Plumbing changes or new water treatment equipment installed
The Comprehensive Test: Every 3–5 Years
Beyond annual basics, SC and NC well owners should test every 3–5 years for: - Heavy metals (arsenic, lead, iron, manganese, barium) - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - Pesticides and herbicides - PFAS / forever chemicals - Radon (Piedmont SC and NC only) - Hardness minerals
SC and NC Regional Concerns by County
Horry, Georgetown, Brunswick, and Pender counties: Iron, tannins, and agricultural nitrates are the primary concerns.
Piedmont SC (Greenville, Spartanburg): Manganese, industrial VOCs, and radon are elevated risks.
Coastal NC (New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender): PFAS/GenX, saltwater intrusion, and iron.
Charleston and Berkeley counties: PFAS, iron, and hardness.
ClearFlow's Free Well Water Test
ClearFlow's free in-home well water test covers the concerns most commonly reported in this region, with results explained to you on-site in plain language during the visit.
Call (843) 742-1196 to schedule.
