Groundwater in Accomack County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that require attention from well owners in this area.
The Eastern Shore sits on a coastal plain where saltwater has moved inland over time, bringing chloride into the groundwater. Iron and manganese come from the sediment and rocks beneath the surface, which naturally contain these minerals. Radon enters groundwater from radioactive elements in the surrounding rocks and sediment.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and elevated in sodium and iron. The sandy and silty sediment here allows minerals to dissolve easily as water moves through the ground, concentrating sodium, iron, and manganese. These characteristics are found across most wells in the county.
Wells in Accomack County show arsenic, radon, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time increases the risk of cancer and can damage organs. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters through groundwater and increases lung cancer risk when breathed in your home. Manganese can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children.
Iron and sulfate in county wells create staining on fixtures and laundry and can leave a metallic or rotten-egg taste in your water. The moderately hard water here causes scale buildup in pipes and on appliances, which can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers. These mineral issues make cleaning harder and affect how your water looks and tastes.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to learn what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know what you need to treat, and options like activated carbon filters, ion exchange softeners, or radon removal systems can address specific problems found in your well.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 81 | 41% | 48% · 11% · 41% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 6 | 40% | 50% · 17% · 33% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Manganese | 66 | 24% | 64% · 12% · 24% | Moderate | High |
| Sulfate | 77 | 21% | 74% · 5% · 21% | Moderate | High |
| Radon | 24 | 12% | 62% · 25% · 12% | Moderate | Moderate ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 40 | 2% | 95% · 2% · 2% | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Lead | 34 | 0% | 97% · 3% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Uranium | 15 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 6 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| pH | 21 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 73 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
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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