Groundwater in Mathews County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment.
The coastal plain geology here naturally concentrates these contaminants. Salty groundwater from the ocean mixes with fresh water inland, bringing chloride and sodium into wells. Iron and manganese seep from the rocks and soil layers, while radon comes from natural radioactive decay in the ground.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with very high sodium and elevated iron driving the water's character. These minerals concentrate because the sandy and clay layers of the coastal plain naturally release iron and allow saltwater to move inland near the shore. Most wells in this county show these mineral characteristics.
Wells in Mathews County show several contaminants above EPA health standards that you should know about. Arsenic, radon, and manganese can cause serious health problems with long-term exposure, including cancer risks and nervous system damage. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels also pose health concerns for certain people, especially infants and those with kidney or heart conditions. Iron alone does not exceed health standards in this county, but radon demands your attention.
The extremely hard water in Mathews County wells creates real problems at home. You will likely see rust staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Scale builds up inside pipes and on fixtures, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Your soap may not lather well, and the water can taste salty or leave a mineral film on skin and hair. Water with this much hardness requires active treatment to protect your home.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. We recommend a comprehensive water panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and radon all at once, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters and water softeners can address multiple contaminants, but the right choice depends entirely on your test results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 30 | 70% | 23% · 7% · 70% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 33 | 52% | 39% · 9% · 52% | Moderate | High |
| Radon | 4 | 25% | 50% · 25% · 25% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Manganese | 39 | 23% | 64% · 13% · 23% | Moderate | High |
| Sulfate | 12 | 17% | 75% · 8% · 17% | Low | High |
| Arsenic | 27 | 11% | 85% · 4% · 11% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fluoride | 8 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Lead | 17 | 0% | 94% · 6% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 1 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 23 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 14 | — | — | Low | Low |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 2 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
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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