Well Water in Dinwiddie County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Dinwiddie County contains manganese, radon, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present in amounts serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

The Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system in this area contains naturally high levels of these metals and radon. Iron and manganese occur in the sandy and clay layers underground, and radon comes from radioactive minerals in the rocks. As groundwater sits in these layers, it slowly picks up these elements over time.

Groundwater in this county is soft but elevated in iron, which is the main mineral character of the water here. Iron accumulates in the aquifer because the sandy and clay rocks in this region naturally contain iron-bearing materials that dissolve as water moves through them. Most wells in Dinwiddie County show moderate iron levels as a common feature of the water.

Wells in Dinwiddie County can contain iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese in drinking water can cause problems with your nervous system and organs if you drink contaminated water over a long time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from the ground and increases your risk of cancer when you breathe it in or swallow it.

Iron in county well water often leaves reddish or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Manganese can turn water dark or leave black stains. You might notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. The good news is that Dinwiddie County wells are generally soft, so you will not have heavy scale buildup or the appliance damage that comes with very hard water.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and your levels could be higher or lower than the county average. A full metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and radon can both be removed with the right filtration or ventilation systems once you know your levels.