Well Water in Accomack County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Accomack County contains iron, manganese, arsenic, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate. Several of these reach levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

The coastal plain geology here naturally contains these metals and salts in underground rock and clay layers. Saltwater from nearby ocean water can push inland and mix with freshwater, raising chloride levels in wells closer to the coast. Iron and manganese come from minerals in the sand and clay that make up the aquifer.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by dissolved calcium and magnesium from the local rock. The sandy and clay geology allows water to move slowly through these mineral-rich layers, letting minerals dissolve into the water. Moderate hardness and elevated sodium show up across many wells throughout the county.

Arsenic, nitrate, chloride, and manganese are found at levels that exceed EPA health standards in wells throughout this county. Arsenic is a poison that can damage your kidneys and nerves over time. Nitrate is dangerous for babies and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Chloride and manganese at high levels can harm your nervous system and organs with long-term exposure.

Your water will probably feel hard, which means soap won't lather well and you may see white scale buildup inside pipes and on faucets. The moderate sodium content can give the water a slightly salty taste. Over time, hard water can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers because minerals build up inside them.

Every well in this county is different, and yours could have much higher or lower levels than what is common here. 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 between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can help remove many of these contaminants.