Well Water in Bedford County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Bedford County contains radon, iron, and arsenic, all of which well owners should monitor. Iron and radon exceed EPA health standards in this county's water, making them the primary concerns for residents relying on private wells.

These contaminants come from the bedrock itself. The limestone and other rocks that make up the Valley and Ridge aquifers naturally release radon as they break down over time. Iron also leaches from the rock layers as groundwater flows through them. Arsenic occurs naturally in some of these rock formations and dissolves into the water underground.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron being the main mineral that stands out in the water. The limestone bedrock contributes calcium that would normally make water hard, but the overall hardness remains low in most wells here. Iron at moderate levels is common across wells in Bedford County due to the iron-bearing rock the water passes through.

Wells in Bedford County sometimes have elevated iron and radon. Iron at high levels can cause stomach problems and affect how your body processes nutrients. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and enters water through cracks in bedrock. Breathing radon gas released from water during showers and daily use increases the risk of lung cancer over time.

The moderate iron levels common in county wells can stain your laundry, sink, and shower with reddish or brown marks. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or see rust-colored buildup on faucets. The good news is that Bedford County wells tend to be soft, which means you probably will not have heavy scale buildup on pipes and appliances from mineral deposits.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel that checks for both iron and radon, since multiple concerns are present in the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your specific well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron can be treated with filtration systems, and radon can be reduced with aeration or specialized filters designed for radon removal.