Groundwater in Alleghany County contains arsenic, chloride, and bacteria that well owners should be aware of. These contaminants are present at low levels and do not exceed EPA health standards.
Arsenic and chloride come from natural sources in the rock and soil. Bacteria can enter through surface cracks or poor well construction, especially in areas where sanitation systems are nearby or where the water table is shallow.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the carbonate limestone that makes up the Valley and Ridge aquifers. As water moves through limestone, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into wells. Hard water is a common feature across wells in Alleghany County.
The good news is that wells in Alleghany County do not show analytes exceeding EPA health standards at the county level. However, arsenic, chloride, and bacteria are contaminants of concern in some wells here. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk over many years. Chloride itself does not pose direct health concerns at typical levels, but its presence signals that groundwater can be vulnerable to contamination. Bacteria like e. coli cause serious stomach illness.
Wells in this county tend to have hard water, which means you may see white scale buildup on faucets and in pipes. This same hardness can reduce how well soap works and may shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Your water may also taste slightly mineral-like. Over time, hard water can clog plumbing and damage appliances.
We recommend testing your well water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common across the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel will tell you exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Test costs range from $200 to $400. Water softeners can address hardness, and filtration systems can remove arsenic and bacteria if present.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | 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.
* 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.
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