Well Water in Albemarle County: What to Test and Why

Radon, manganese, and nitrite are the contaminants present in Albemarle County groundwater that well owners should monitor. All three exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

These contaminants come from different sources in the county's geology. Radon occurs naturally in the rock layers beneath the surface and seeps into groundwater over time. Manganese also comes from the rock itself, released when water moves through the Early Mesozoic basin layers. Nitrite typically enters from land use--fertilizers, septic systems, and animal waste leach down into the water table.

Groundwater in Albemarle County is soft with low levels of iron, sodium, and sulfate, making it mild in character overall. The Early Mesozoic basin rocks here do not contain the limestone or iron-rich minerals that make water hard or colored. Most wells in the county show this same soft-water pattern.

Wells in Albemarle County have been found with manganese, nitrite, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children, and may cause learning and behavior problems with long-term exposure. Nitrite prevents blood from carrying oxygen properly, which is particularly dangerous for infants and pregnant women. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time.

The good news is that the minerals commonly found in county well water are at low levels, so you are unlikely to see staining, scale buildup, or taste and odor problems that plague other areas. Your water should stay clear and not damage your pipes or appliances.

Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is typical for the county. We recommend a comprehensive water panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and radioactive elements, which usually costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like aeration for radon or special filters for manganese and nitrite can address these problems once you know what you are dealing with.