Well Water in Botetourt County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Botetourt County contains radon, manganese, and arsenic. Manganese and radon exceed EPA health standards in this area, so well owners should test for these contaminants and consider treatment if levels are high in their water.

These contaminants come from the rock beneath the county. Radon seeps from uranium naturally present in the carbonate rock and surrounding stones. Manganese dissolves into groundwater where oxygen is low in the deeper parts of aquifers. Arsenic appears at low levels across the region as a natural trace element in the bedrock.

Groundwater in this county is soft with low levels of iron, sulfate, and sodium. The carbonate rock that supplies most wells does contribute some minerals, but they remain dilute in this area's water. Most wells here have water that is relatively free of the mineral buildup and aesthetic issues common in harder-water regions.

Wells in Botetourt County can contain manganese and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can affect your nervous system and brain development, especially in children who drink water with high amounts over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rock and soil underground, and breathing radon gas that comes out of your water can increase your risk of lung cancer.

The good news is that the county's water tends to be soft and low in minerals that cause staining or scale buildup. You probably won't see orange stains from iron or deal with stubborn soap scum and scale on your fixtures and appliances. The mineral content in most county wells shouldn't affect the taste or smell of your water or shorten the life of your water heater and dishwasher.

We recommend testing your well to find out what you actually have, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals and radon runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. If testing shows these contaminants in your water, treatment options include activated carbon filters for radon and manganese removal systems.