Well Water in Buena Vista city: What to Test and Why

Radon, arsenic, and chloride are present in groundwater in Buena Vista. Radon is the only contaminant found at levels that exceed EPA health standards, which is a concern worth addressing.

Radon comes from natural decay of uranium and radium in the carbonate rocks below the area. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in small amounts from the rock itself and from weathering of minerals. These contaminants are not from pollution sources like roads or farms but from the bedrock that feeds the wells.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium leached from the limestone bedrock. This moderate hardness is typical across wells in the area because the water spends time moving through limestone before reaching your well.

Wells in Buena Vista tend to have radon above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks underground and dissolves into groundwater. Breathing radon over many years raises the risk of lung cancer. Arsenic and chloride are also found in some county wells and can cause health problems with long-term exposure.

The county has moderately hard water, which means some households notice white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads or spots on dishes after washing. Hard water can reduce how long water heaters and dishwashers last. The sodium and sulfate levels in this area's wells are low, so taste and odor problems from those minerals are uncommon.

Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for radon, arsenic, chloride, and other metals and minerals--these typically cost between $200 and $400. Radon can be removed with aeration systems, and arsenic requires special filters.