Groundwater in Rockingham County contains manganese, iron, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations high enough to warrant attention from well owners.
The water in this county flows through Early Mesozoic basin rock, which naturally contains iron and manganese minerals. As groundwater moves slowly through these rocks over time, it dissolves these metals into the water. Arsenic also occurs naturally in this rock layer and leaches into groundwater in the same way.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by dissolved minerals including manganese and iron from the bedrock below. The Early Mesozoic basin aquifers release these metals as water passes through the rock over years and decades. Most wells in Rockingham County show elevated levels of these metals, making them a widespread characteristic of the area's water.
Wells in Rockingham County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, radon, iron, and manganese. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your home through water and can increase lung cancer risk. Manganese at elevated levels can affect your nervous system and brain development, especially in children.
County wells show moderately hard water, which means you might notice some scale buildup on faucets and showerheads or reduced lather from soap. The iron in these wells, while not at extremely high levels, can cause reddish or brownish staining on fixtures and laundry. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
Your well is unique and may contain higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, aeration systems, and radon reduction can address these concerns.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 49 | 43% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 50 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 46 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 19 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 49 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 49 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 46 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 51 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 49 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 49 | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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