Arsenic, chloride, and bacteria are the contaminants well owners should be aware of in Albemarle County groundwater. The good news is that none of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so levels here are low.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the local bedrock and from activities on the land. The Early Mesozoic basin rocks underlying the county naturally contain small amounts of arsenic. Chloride can enter groundwater where road salt is used or where septic systems leak. Bacteria enters from surface contamination near wells or from septic systems that are not functioning properly. The county's aquifer type and geology help keep overall contamination levels from becoming severe.
Groundwater in Albemarle County is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron and moderate hardness from calcium and magnesium in the basin rocks below. As water moves slowly through these rocks over time, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into the well. Most wells in the county show this same pattern of moderate hardness and iron.
Good news: wells in Albemarle County do not show analytes exceeding EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and bacteria are contaminants of concern in the county and warrant attention. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk. E. coli bacteria cause serious illness. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with certain health conditions.
Wells in this county have moderate hardness and moderate iron levels. You may notice reddish or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, or surfaces. Water may taste metallic or leave deposits in pipes and appliances. Hard water reduces the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. We recommend testing your well to know exactly what is present so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like iron filters or activated carbon can address these concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | 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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