Well Water in Lunenburg County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lunenburg County contains manganese, iron, and arsenic. Iron and manganese are present at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards, so well owners should have their water tested and consider treatment.

These metals come from the crystalline rock that makes up the aquifer beneath the county. As water moves slowly through cracks and spaces in this ancient rock, it dissolves iron and manganese naturally present in the mineral grains. This process is a normal part of how water interacts with the bedrock in this region.

Groundwater in Lunenburg County is soft but notably high in iron. The crystalline rocks here release iron as water passes through them over time, which is why elevated iron shows up in many wells across the county. Most wells in this area have detectable iron at moderate levels.

Wells in Lunenburg County commonly have iron and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Iron in drinking water can cause problems with your blood and organs over time. Manganese can affect your nervous system and brain development, which is especially concerning for children and babies. Both metals need attention when they show up at high levels in well water.

The iron and manganese in county wells create staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice rust-colored or brown marks that are hard to clean. Water from these wells can taste metallic or leave residue in your pipes. Since your well water is naturally soft, you won't have the scale buildup problems that hard water causes.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county--testing is the only way to know what you're dealing with. Once you know your water's actual makeup, treatment options like iron filters or oxidizing filters can remove these metals from your drinking water.