Groundwater in Chesapeake contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious and require your attention.
The Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain sits atop layers of sand and clay deposited by ancient seas. Saltwater trapped in these layers from millions of years ago releases chloride and other minerals into groundwater today. Iron and manganese come naturally from the sediments themselves. Lead and arsenic enter from industrial activity and natural deposits in the sediments, while radon comes from radioactive decay in the rocks below.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in sodium, which comes from the old seawater still present in the sand and clay layers underground. The water is soft rather than hard, with moderate iron levels. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the area.
Several contaminants exceed EPA health standards in Chesapeake city wells, and they pose real health risks. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer, heart disease, and nerve damage. Lead damages children's brains and developing organs even at low amounts. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Fluoride, manganese, and chloride at high levels affect your bones, nervous system, and kidneys.
Your water likely tastes salty because sodium levels are high in this area. Iron stains laundry and bathroom fixtures brown or orange. The water may smell like rotten eggs from sulfate and manganese. You'll see buildup on faucets and inside pipes. Although your water is soft, the mineral mix here causes visible problems that affect daily life.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Your well's water quality is different from your neighbor's. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all eight contaminants that exceed standards in this county--expect to spend $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can remove most of these contaminants, depending on what testing shows.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 71 | 49% | 42% · 8% · 49% | Moderate | High |
| Manganese | 69 | 42% | 48% · 10% · 42% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 9 | 38% | 56% · 11% · 33% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Radon | 4 | 25% | 50% · 25% · 25% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Sulfate | 66 | 18% | 71% · 11% · 18% | Moderate | High |
| Arsenic | 26 | 12% | 85% · 4% · 12% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fluoride | 36 | 11% | 69% · 19% · 11% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Lead | 25 | 4% | 92% · 4% · 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 11 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 75 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 19 | — | — | Moderate | 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.
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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