Well Water in Virginia Beach city: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Virginia Beach contains chloride, manganese, sulfate, and lead at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations and warrant attention from well owners.

The sandy and clay layers of the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system allow saltwater from nearby ocean and coastal areas to mix into freshwater reserves, raising chloride levels. Manganese and sulfate occur naturally in the sediments and rock layers that make up this aquifer. Lead can enter groundwater through corrosion of pipes and metal fixtures in wells and plumbing systems.

Groundwater in this county is notably high in sodium, which comes from the coastal proximity and the natural mineral composition of the sandy and clay sediments in the aquifer below. Sulfate concentrations remain low despite the contamination concerns with other compounds. Elevated sodium and chloride are widespread across wells in the area due to the region's geography near the Atlantic coast.

Wells in Virginia Beach commonly contain chloride, lead, manganese, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Lead exposure harms brain development in children and can affect learning and behavior. Manganese at elevated levels may damage the nervous system with long-term exposure. Chloride and sulfate at high concentrations in drinking water create health concerns with prolonged use, particularly for people on sodium-restricted diets.

High sodium levels in county well water can taste salty or unpleasant to some families. Manganese leaves brown or black stains on plumbing fixtures, dishes, and laundry. While the sulfate levels here are not extremely high, combined with other minerals present, you may notice changes in water taste or appearance over time.

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 for certain what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and will check for all the contaminants of concern in your area. Depending on results, options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can help remove these contaminants.