Well Water in Augusta County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Augusta County contains radon, chloride, and arsenic. Chloride and radon exceed EPA health standards in this county, which is concerning and means well owners should test for these contaminants.

Radon comes from natural radioactive decay in the bedrock itself. Chloride enters groundwater from road salt applied during winter and from natural rock dissolution. Arsenic occurs naturally in the bedrock. The Valley and Ridge geology here contains various rock types that release these elements into the water supply.

Groundwater in Augusta County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium released from the bedrock as water moves through it. The mixed rock types in this area dissolve these minerals slowly but steadily. Moderate hardness is common across many wells throughout the county.

Wells in Augusta County can have elevated chloride and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a colorless gas that comes from rocks underground and can build up inside your home, increasing the risk of lung cancer over time. Chloride at high levels can be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets and can also damage pipes and plumbing fixtures.

The moderate hardness in county wells means you might notice some scale buildup on faucets and showerheads, and soap may not lather as easily as you would like. Your water heater and dishwasher could experience reduced efficiency from mineral deposits over time. The good news is that sodium levels in the county are low, so you won't have a salty taste in your water.

We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, and contaminants runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the best way to know what you are dealing with. Radon can be removed with aeration systems, and chloride concerns can be addressed with a water softener or reverse osmosis filter.