Wells inside a big county
Mecklenburg County keeps its own records of private wells and has a dedicated program for them, Groundwater & Wastewater Services. Homes on the eastern side around Mint Hill, and in pockets of the north end around Huntersville and Davidson, still draw their water from private wells.
Granite and its cousins
Much of Mecklenburg sits on the granite-type rocks of the Charlotte terrane, the same family of rock that gives the Charlotte region its red clay. Wells are cased through the clay and weathered rock, sealed, and drilled on into fractured bedrock. Radon is worth testing for in granite areas.
Older wells, newer neighbors
As new development fills in around older homes, it pays to protect the well: keep the wellhead above grade and sealed, keep chemicals and fuel away from it, and get the water tested if construction nearby changes how it looks or tastes.
Permits and rules
Mecklenburg County Groundwater & Wastewater Services reviews, permits and evaluates private wells in the county. A permit is needed before a well is built, repaired or abandoned, and new drinking-water wells are sampled after completion.
GraniteQuestions from Mint Hill
Local answers.
Who permits wells in Mecklenburg County?
Mecklenburg County Groundwater & Wastewater Services, part of the county’s environmental health programs. They permit new wells, repairs and abandonments.
Can I keep my well if city water comes down my road?
Often, yes, for irrigation or as your supply, depending on local rules. Ask the county and your water provider. If you stop using a well entirely, it must be properly abandoned with a permit.
What should I test for in a Mint Hill well?
At minimum bacteria, pH, iron and manganese, plus arsenic, and radon in granite areas. Retest after any flood, repair or change in the water.
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