Groundwater in Bland County contains arsenic, chloride, and fecal coliform bacteria. None of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards in the wells tested, so contaminant levels here are low.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil. Arsenic occurs naturally in the bedrock as water moves through cracks and layers over time. Chloride and fecal coliform can come from natural deposits in the rock or from nearby land use like agriculture and septic systems. The Valley and Ridge geology here does not concentrate these substances at dangerous levels.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate sodium levels and calcium and magnesium from the local bedrock. Water moving through the rock layers picks up these minerals as it flows underground. These characteristics are found in many wells across the county.
The good news is that well water in Bland County does not show analytes at levels that exceed EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and fecal coliform bacteria do appear in county groundwater at levels worth knowing about. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can cause serious health problems. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart or kidney conditions. Fecal coliform indicates bacteria from sewage or animal waste, which can make you sick.
Well water in Bland County is moderately hard, which means you may notice some mineral buildup on fixtures and in pipes over time. You might see white scale around faucets or in your shower. Soap may not lather as easily as you would like. The moderate sodium content is also worth noting, especially if anyone in your home needs to limit salt intake for health reasons.
Since every well is different, your water could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is found elsewhere in the county, and the only way to know what is actually in your well is to test it. We recommend a basic screening for bacteria and nitrate, which costs around fifty to one hundred dollars, or a more comprehensive panel if you want to check for metals and minerals. Water softeners or treatment systems can help reduce hardness and improve water quality.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | 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.
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