Well Water in Lynchburg city: What to Test and Why

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

The crystalline rock beneath Lynchburg naturally contains iron and manganese minerals. As water moves slowly through cracks and spaces in this rock, it dissolves these metals. Arsenic also occurs naturally in some of these rock layers. The acidic nature of water in this region helps pull these metals into solution.

Groundwater in Lynchburg is soft with moderate iron. Iron comes from the breakdown of iron-bearing minerals in the crystalline bedrock as water passes through. Most wells in this county show elevated iron levels, and many contain detectable manganese as well.

Wells in Lynchburg often have iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron can cause problems with your blood and organs if you drink too much of it over time. Manganese can affect your brain and nervous system, especially in children and babies. These metals come from the natural rocks and soil around the well.

The iron in county wells usually leaves behind reddish or brownish stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or rust-colored water coming from the tap. The good news is that the water in this area is soft, which means you won't have scale buildup in pipes and appliances like you would in harder water areas.

We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what you have. Every well is different, and your well might have more iron and manganese than the county average or less. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars and can identify all the metals in your water. Iron and manganese can be removed with filters or other treatment systems.