Well Water in Wythe County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Wythe County contains radon, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should take these contaminants seriously and have their water tested to know what they are drinking.

Radon comes from natural decay of radioactive elements in the rock deep underground. Lead and manganese enter groundwater from the carbonate limestone and other rock that make up the aquifers here. These metals dissolve naturally as water moves through the ground, and the acidic conditions in some wells make this process faster.

Groundwater in this county is soft with very low levels of iron and sulfur, which means it lacks the minerals that typically cause staining or buildup in pipes. The limestone bedrock in this region actually filters out many minerals and keeps the water clean and light. These characteristics are common across wells throughout Wythe County.

Wells in Wythe County have been found to contain lead, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Lead can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in children and babies. Manganese at high levels can affect how the brain works and cause movement problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when people breathe it in over time.

The good news is that the minerals in county well water are present at low levels. Your water should not cause staining, scaling, or taste problems from iron, sodium, or hardness. These wells are actually softer than many areas, so appliances like water heaters should last longer.

We recommend testing your well 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. A comprehensive water panel that checks for metals and radon typically costs between $200 and $400. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your specific well needs, whether that is a radon mitigation system, lead removal, or a whole-house filter.