Groundwater in Washington County contains radon, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention. These contaminants are present in amounts significant enough that well owners should be aware of them and consider testing.
The source of these contaminants lies in the natural composition of the underground sediment layers in the coastal plain. Iron and manganese dissolve into groundwater as water moves through sand and clay deposits that naturally contain these minerals. Radon enters groundwater from radioactive elements present in the rock and sediment below the surface.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven primarily by moderate iron content combined with dissolved minerals from the surrounding sediment. The coastal plain geology here naturally produces water with these mineral characteristics as water passes through the sandy and clayey layers underground. Most wells in Washington County show this same pattern of moderate hardness and elevated iron.
Wells in Washington County commonly show chloride, iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Chloride at elevated concentrations can harm people with high blood pressure or heart conditions. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure. Iron and manganese themselves are not toxic, but at high levels they can cause other water quality problems.
County wells are moderately hard, which means residents may notice white scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes. Iron in the water can leave orange or brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and surfaces. You might also notice a metallic taste or smell in your water. Hard water can reduce the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple analytes exceed standards in this county. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400, and treatment options like iron removal systems or water softeners can address these concerns.
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 | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 47 | 47% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 26 | 31% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 109 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 66 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 50 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 110 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 111 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 65 | — | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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