Well Water in Staunton city: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Staunton contains iron, nitrate, and arsenic. Iron and nitrate are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

Iron and nitrate come from different sources in the area. Iron occurs naturally as water passes through rock layers containing iron minerals. Nitrate typically enters groundwater from fertilizers used on farms and lawns, as well as from septic systems and other sources that leak nitrogen into the ground.

Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, which is the dominant mineral affecting water character. The Valley and Ridge rock formation here contains iron-bearing minerals that dissolve as water moves through the ground. Iron levels are moderate across most wells in Staunton, making this a common feature of the local groundwater.

Wells in Staunton have been found to contain elevated levels of iron and nitrate above EPA health standards. Iron at high levels can cause problems with your blood and organs over time. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and pregnant women, as it can interfere with how the body uses oxygen. Arsenic has also been detected in some county wells and poses serious health risks with long-term exposure.

Iron in well water leaves orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. It can also make water taste metallic or leave a bad smell. The good news is that sodium and sulfate levels in county wells are low, so you won't have the serious scaling problems that affect other areas. Moderate iron levels do create annoying stains and buildup over time though.

We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know if you need treatment. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show you what you're dealing with. Iron removal systems or nitrate filters are available options depending on what testing reveals.