Well Water in Williamsburg city: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Williamsburg has three contaminants that show up in test results: chloride, arsenic, and fluoride. Chloride is the only one exceeding EPA health standards and is present at concerning levels, while arsenic and fluoride are also detected but at lower amounts.

Chloride in this area comes from saltwater mixing into the groundwater near the coast and from road salt that seeps down through the soil. The groundwater system here sits in a coastal plain with sandy and clay layers that allow water to move through them, making the area vulnerable to salt contamination from both natural and human sources.

Groundwater in Williamsburg is soft with very high sodium, which is the main mineral character of the water here. Sodium concentrations are elevated because the sandy and clay rocks in this coastal plain naturally contain and release sodium into the water as it flows through. Elevated sodium is widespread across wells in this area due to the geology underneath.

Wells in Williamsburg city show elevated chloride levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride at high levels can be a concern for people who need to restrict salt in their diet, especially those with heart problems or high blood pressure. Children and infants are also more sensitive to salt in drinking water. Testing your well is the best way to know if chloride is affecting your family.

The high sodium content in county wells can affect taste, making water taste salty or unpleasant. Soft water is actually good news for your pipes and appliances--it won't create scale buildup or shorten the life of your water heater. However, the sodium levels mean your water may not taste the way you prefer it to.

We recommend testing your well water to see what you are actually dealing with. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel that checks metals, minerals, and other contaminants runs between $200 and $400 and will give you a complete picture. A water softener or reverse osmosis system can help reduce sodium and other mineral concerns.