Buying a Charlotte Home on Well Water: What You Need to Know
If you’re house hunting in the Charlotte area and stumble upon your dream home, only to learn it’s on well water, don’t panic — but do your homework. Private wells can offer clean, cost-effective water, but unlike municipal systems, the responsibility for water quality is entirely yours. Whether you’re new to well water or just want to be informed, here’s what you need to know before signing on the dotted line.
Start with the Basics: Bacteria Testing
Most reputable home inspectors in the Charlotte area now offer basic water testing, usually for bacteria such as coliform and E. coli. Some may include testing for lead as well. This is a great first step — and often a required one for certain types of mortgages like FHA or VA loans — but it’s far from a complete picture of your water quality.
A clean bacteria test can give you some peace of mind, but it doesn’t check for heavy metals, mineral content, pesticides, or “forever chemicals” like PFAS. That’s where the pros come in.
Go Further: Consult a Local Water Treatment Professional
After closing — or ideally before, during due diligence — it’s smart to contact a local water treatment company that specializes in well systems. These professionals can run comprehensive water analysis, which typically includes:
- pH levels
- Hardness (calcium & magnesium)
- Iron & manganese
- Nitrates/nitrites
- Arsenic
- Radon in water
- PFAS and VOCs (if requested)
Beyond testing, they’ll walk you through what (if any) water filtration or treatment system you might need — from simple sediment filters to UV disinfection, softeners, or reverse osmosis systems.
Don’t Judge Water by Its Clarity
Here’s a common myth that catches buyers off guard:
Just because the water looks clear — or there’s no filtration system installed — doesn’t mean the water is safe or high-quality.
Water contaminants are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless, especially when it comes to things like lead, arsenic, or nitrates. It’s not unusual to tour a home with crystal-clear tap water and no signs of treatment, only to learn through testing that serious improvements are needed.
The Charlotte Area Has Unique Water Challenges
Depending on where the well is located — Union County, Gaston, Iredell, or the more rural edges of Mecklenburg — you may run into specific regional concerns. For example:
- Hard water is common across much of North Carolina.
- Iron staining can show up in fixtures and laundry.
- Low Ph causes corrosion on plumbing and can have a sour or metallic taste
- Radon in water is a known concern in pockets of the Piedmont region.
Artisanal Water Solutions is a local water treatment company and is familiar with these patterns and can recommend systems tailored to your well’s conditions.
Final Thoughts: Knowledge is Power
Buying a home with well water doesn’t have to be intimidating — it just takes a little extra diligence. A basic bacteria test from your home inspector is a great starting point, but to truly understand your water quality, bring in the experts.
And most importantly, don’t assume that “no filter” means “no problem.” Whether you’re buying a brand-new build or a charming farmhouse in the country, a well-functioning water filtration system can protect your health and your home’s plumbing — and give you peace of mind every time you turn on the tap.
If you’re interested in clean water in your home – schedule a free, no-obligation in-home water analysis with an Artisanal Water local expert.
Call (704) 315-6344 or fill out our contact form.
