Manganese, arsenic, and chloride are present in Pittsylvania County's groundwater. Manganese exceeds EPA health standards here, while arsenic and chloride are detected but at levels that do not exceed health benchmarks.
The Early Mesozoic basin rocks beneath this county naturally contain manganese and arsenic. As groundwater flows slowly through these rocks over time, it dissolves these metals from the stone itself. Chloride can also accumulate in basin groundwater from the rock layers or from past salt use on roads and fields.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low sodium and sulfate levels that reflect the composition of the basin rocks below. The rock formations here do not contribute significant calcium or magnesium the way limestone does in other areas. Soft water with low mineral content is the norm across wells in Pittsylvania County.
Manganese appears at levels that exceed EPA health standards in wells across Pittsylvania County. Exposure to elevated manganese can harm the nervous system, especially in children and developing fetuses. Long-term exposure carries risks for neurological problems. Your well water should be tested to see what is actually present in your home's water.
The good news is that wells in this county are naturally soft, so you won't deal with the scale buildup and appliance damage that comes with hard water. However, manganese in water can leave brown stains on laundry, fixtures, and pipes. You might also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste if manganese is present.
Every well in Pittsylvania County is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels of manganese than what is common countywide. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like manganese filters or oxidation systems can remove this contaminant from your water.
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 | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 9 | — | 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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