Iron, manganese, and radon are present in Fluvanna County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. Iron and manganese exceed EPA health standards, and radon does as well, making these contaminants a concern that warrants testing and treatment consideration.
The Early Mesozoic basin rock beneath this county naturally contains iron-bearing minerals and radioactive elements that dissolve into groundwater over time. As water moves slowly through the rock layers, these elements leach out and accumulate in the water your well draws from. This is a natural process driven by the local bedrock composition, not by pollution from land use.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and notably high in iron, which dominates the water's mineral character. Iron concentrates in this water because the basin rock contains iron minerals that release iron as groundwater passes through them. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county, though the exact levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Fluvanna County commonly contain iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children and infants. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over time.
Wells in this county have moderately hard water, and the high iron levels cause visible staining on fixtures, laundry, and skin. You may see orange or brown discoloration in toilets and tubs. The minerals can also create a metallic taste in your water and leave scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Every well in the county is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like aeration, filtration, or ion exchange can address these contaminants depending on what testing reveals.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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