Amelia County's well water contains iron, manganese, radon, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants require attention and testing to understand what is in your specific well.
The Early Mesozoic basin rock beneath Amelia County naturally releases iron and manganese as groundwater moves through it. Radon and uranium come from radioactive decay happening in the bedrock itself. This is not pollution from human activity--the rock formation is simply releasing these elements into the water over time.
Groundwater in Amelia County is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron concentration. The basin rock contains iron-rich minerals that dissolve as water passes through, and radon seeps from radioactive elements in the same rock layers. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Amelia County commonly contain iron, manganese, radon, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over time. Uranium is radioactive and can damage your kidneys and bones with long-term exposure. Manganese at high concentrations can harm your nervous system, especially in children. Elevated iron does not pose a direct health risk at the levels found here, but it accompanies other concerning contaminants.
County well water is moderately hard, which means you may see orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and plumbing. This staining comes from iron in the water. Hard water also reduces the effectiveness of soap and can leave scale buildup inside pipes and appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, potentially shortening their lifespan. You might notice a metallic taste or slight odor, though these are usually mild in this county.
Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well and how to treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Once you have results, treatment options like aeration systems, specialized filters, or radon mitigation can address the contaminants your well contains.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | 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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