Groundwater in Shenandoah County contains radon, iron, and arsenic. Iron and radon are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
The limestone and other carbonate rocks beneath this county naturally contain uranium, which breaks down and releases radon into groundwater. Iron dissolves from the rock itself as water moves through the ground. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the bedrock and enters water through this same geological process.
Groundwater in Shenandoah County is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium leached from the limestone aquifer below. The carbonate rock dissolves slowly as water passes through it, releasing these minerals into wells throughout the area. Most wells in the county share this very hard water characteristic.
Wells in Shenandoah County contain iron and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural rock and soil and can increase the risk of lung cancer over time with long-term exposure. Iron itself does not pose a direct health risk at the levels found in county wells, but it is still important to address.
The very hard water in this county can create noticeable problems around your home. Hard water leaves scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and inside appliances. You may see staining on sinks and bathtubs, and soap does not work as well for cleaning. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by causing mineral buildup inside them.
We recommend getting your well tested to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive testing panel that checks for metals, minerals, and radon costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment, whether that is a water softener for hardness or radon removal through aeration or ventilation systems.
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 | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 21 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 21 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 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.
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