Groundwater in Bedford County contains radon, manganese, and iron that well owners should be aware of. These contaminants are present at concerning levels--radon, arsenic, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate all exceed EPA health standards.
The Mississippian rock beneath this county naturally contains uranium that breaks down into radon gas, which seeps into groundwater through cracks in the bedrock. Iron and manganese dissolve from minerals in these same rock layers as water sits in contact with them over time. Nitrate and sulfate enter from a mix of natural minerals and land activities in the area.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the bedrock. Iron at moderate levels also contributes to the water's character. These mineral characteristics show up across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in this county commonly contain radon, PFOS, arsenic, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body and can damage organs. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Manganese can affect brain development and nervous system function.
Hard water is very common here, and your county's wells show moderate to high iron levels. You will see orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. White crusty scale builds up on pipes and water heaters. Extreme hardness can shorten the lifespan of dishwashers and water heaters over time. Sulfate at these levels can give water a bitter taste or cause stomach problems.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. 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 two hundred and four hundred dollars. Aeration systems paired with specialized filters can address many of 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 | 14 | 29% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 75 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 77 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 97 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 105 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 82 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 29 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 85 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 82 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 81 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 105 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 71 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 94 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 63 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 84 | — | Moderate | 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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