Well Water in Charlottesville city: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Charlottesville contains iron, manganese, and arsenic. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards in this area, which is a concern that well owners should address.

These metals come from the crystalline bedrock underneath the city--granite and similar hard rock that naturally contains iron and manganese minerals. As water moves through cracks and spaces in this rock over time, it dissolves these metals and carries them into wells.

Groundwater in Charlottesville is soft and has moderate iron, which means iron is the main mineral character of the water here. The crystalline rocks below release iron naturally as groundwater flows through them. This moderate iron level is common across many wells in the city.

Wells in Charlottesville city commonly have iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that come from rock and soil underground. Drinking water with elevated iron can cause problems with your blood and organs over time. Manganese at high levels can affect your brain and nervous system, especially in children.

Iron in county well water creates orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste or smell in the water. The good news is that the water in this area is soft, so you won't have problems with scale buildup that damages water heaters and dishwashers like in harder-water areas.

We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and yours could have much higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know if you need treatment. A comprehensive metals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars and will show you exactly what you are dealing with. Iron filters or water softeners designed for iron removal can help if testing shows a problem.