Groundwater in Buckingham County contains arsenic, chloride, and e_coli. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
The Early Mesozoic basin rock beneath this county naturally contains arsenic, which dissolves into groundwater as water moves through the stone. Chloride can enter from road salt, septic systems, or natural rock sources. E_coli bacteria typically comes from surface contamination near wells, such as from animal waste or inadequate well construction. The geology and land use in this area keep these contaminants at low levels overall.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low iron, sodium, and sulfate. The basin rock composition results in water that carries very little dissolved mineral content. These soft-water characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
County wells show some bacterial and chemical concerns that fall below EPA health limits but warrant attention. Arsenic and chloride have been detected in groundwater here, and E. coli bacteria shows up in some wells. Arsenic exposure over time can damage organs and increase cancer risk. E. coli bacteria can cause serious digestive illness. Chloride at elevated levels raises health concerns for people on sodium-restricted diets.
The good news is that mineral content in this county's groundwater is very low. Iron levels are minimal, so you should not see rust staining or metallic tastes. Sodium is also low, which is excellent for your health and appliances. Hardness is soft, meaning scale buildup in pipes and water heaters will not be a problem. Your water should feel clean and taste neutral.
Since multiple contaminants have been found in county wells, we recommend a comprehensive water test. Every well is different, and your water might have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it correctly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and will give you a complete picture. Treatment options like chlorination for bacteria or activated carbon filters can address specific concerns once you know what you are dealing with.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | 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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