Groundwater in Chesapeake contains iron, chloride, manganese, fluoride, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which means your well water needs attention.
The Atlantic Coastal Plain sits near the ocean, and old seawater trapped in the sandy and clay layers below pushes salt and minerals into groundwater. Iron and manganese occur naturally in these sediments and dissolve into the water as it flows through.
Groundwater in this area is moderately hard and notably high in sodium, with elevated iron as the main mineral character. The sandy and clay geology here naturally contains these dissolved metals and salts, which concentrate as water moves through the ground. These characteristics appear across many wells in the region.
Chesapeake city well water contains chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and fluoride can affect kidney function and bone health with long-term exposure. Iron and manganese can harm the nervous system and affect how your body processes certain minerals. Sulfate can cause digestive issues in some people, especially children and those with compromised immune systems.
The minerals in county wells create visible and annoying problems around the home. Iron stains laundry, sinks, and fixtures a reddish-brown color and gives water a metallic taste or smell. Manganese causes brown or black stains on dishes and fixtures. The moderately hard water causes scale buildup on pipes and appliances, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some people notice a salty taste from the high sodium content in the water.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals test to find out what is actually in your well--testing is the only way to know for certain what treatment your family needs. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like water softeners and reverse osmosis systems can address multiple contaminants.
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 | 105 | 71% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 134 | 49% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 94 | 39% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 134 | 15% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 134 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 134 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 122 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 134 | — | High | 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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