Well Water in Charles City County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Charles City County contains manganese, radon, and arsenic. Manganese and radon exceed EPA health standards in this area, so well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil underground. Manganese and iron dissolve into groundwater where oxygen levels are low in the aquifer. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps up from rocks deeper underground. Arsenic occurs naturally in some clay and sand layers in the aquifer system.

Groundwater in this county is soft and notable mainly for elevated sodium. The sandy and clay layers of the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer allow water to pick up sodium as it moves through the ground. Water that sits underground for a long time in these sediments tends to accumulate more dissolved minerals. Elevated sodium is a common finding across wells in this county.

Wells in Charles City County sometimes contain manganese and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Manganese can affect your nervous system if you drink water with elevated amounts over time, and it is especially concerning for children. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in your body when you breathe it in or swallow it in water, and it increases your risk of lung cancer and stomach cancer.

The high sodium levels in county well water mean that water may taste salty or brackish. If you have heart problems or high blood pressure, extra sodium in your drinking water can make your condition worse. The good news is that wells here are soft, so you won't see the white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures that hard water causes, and your water heater should not wear out faster than normal.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel 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. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can remove many of these contaminants.