Radon and sulfate are the contaminants well owners should be aware of in Roanoke County. Both exceed EPA health standards in this area.
Radon seeps naturally from radioactive uranium in the carbonate rock beneath the county. Sulfate dissolves into groundwater as water moves slowly through the limestone and other rock layers underground.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium leached from the limestone bedrock. These minerals concentrate in the water as it flows through the carbonate rock, and very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Roanoke County can contain radon and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and can increase the risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in from water. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues, particularly in infants and people with certain health conditions.
The very hard water common in county wells can leave scale buildup on fixtures, inside pipes, and on appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. This hard water can shorten the lifespan of these appliances and make soap less effective for cleaning. You may notice spots on glassware or a chalky film on surfaces where water has dried.
We recommend testing your well to find out what contaminants are actually present in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel checking for metals, minerals, and radon typically costs between $200 and $400. Once you know your results, treatment options like radon aeration systems and water softeners can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 17% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | 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 →Loading recent water news…