Well Water in Buckingham County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Buckingham County contains radon, iron, and arsenic. Iron and radon exceed EPA health standards in this county's wells, which is a concern that warrants testing and potential treatment.

These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. The underground basin rock here naturally releases iron and radon into the water as it flows through cracks and pores in the stone. Arsenic also occurs naturally in some of these rock layers, though at lower levels than iron and radon.

Groundwater in Buckingham County is soft but notable for moderate iron content. The basin rock below the county contains iron-rich minerals that dissolve into the water as it moves underground. Iron is widespread across wells in this county, making it a common characteristic of the local water.

Wells in Buckingham County commonly have iron and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron in drinking water can cause problems with your blood and organs over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from underground and can increase your risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years.

The moderate iron levels found in county wells can cause orange or brown staining on your sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or see rust-colored particles. The good news is that Buckingham County wells tend to be soft, so you won't have the scale buildup and appliance damage that comes with hard water.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed for your family. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel usually costs between $200 and $400. Iron and radon can both be treated with the right filtration or ventilation systems.