Well Water in Prince William County: What to Test and Why

Prince William County groundwater contains radon, iron, and manganese as the top contaminants well owners should know about. Several of these contaminants including chloride, iron, lead, manganese, pfoa, pfos, radon, and sulfate exceed EPA health standards in this county's water.

These contaminants come from the local rock and human activity. The Early Mesozoic basin rocks beneath the county naturally contain iron and manganese that dissolve into groundwater as it flows through the rock. Radon comes from radioactive decay within these same rocks. Chloride, lead, pfoa, and pfos enter groundwater from road salt, old plumbing, and industrial or urban sources that seep downward into wells.

Groundwater in this county is soft and characterized by moderate iron content. Iron dissolves naturally from the rock layers as water moves through them over time. Most wells in Prince William County show this moderate iron character, though individual wells can vary.

Wells in Prince William County have been found to contain several contaminants above EPA health standards. Lead can damage the brain and kidneys, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system problems. Chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at elevated levels can also affect your health over time.

The mineral content in county wells is generally moderate and unlikely to cause major quality-of-life problems. Iron can stain laundry and plumbing fixtures with reddish marks, and manganese may cause black stains. The good news is that hardness levels are soft, so you probably won't see heavy scale buildup on fixtures or experience shortened appliance lifespans.

We recommend a comprehensive water test for your well since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Your well may have higher or lower levels than the county average--every well is different. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400, and treatment options like activated carbon filters or specialized systems can address multiple contaminants.