Well Water in Danville city: What to Test and Why

Iron, manganese, nitrate, and chloride are present in Danville's groundwater and exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are at levels that should concern well owners and warrant immediate attention.

The bedrock beneath Danville is an Early Mesozoic basin made of rocks that naturally release iron and manganese into groundwater as water moves through them. Nitrate and chloride come from human sources including septic systems, fertilizers, and road salt, which seep down into the water below.

Groundwater in Danville is soft with moderate iron as the main mineral characteristic. The basin rocks here naturally contain iron that dissolves into water over time. This iron-rich character is common across many wells in the area.

Wells in Danville city contain manganese, chloride, iron, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can harm your nervous system and cause problems with movement and thinking, especially in children. Nitrate is dangerous for babies and can reduce how much oxygen their blood carries. Chloride and iron at high levels also pose health risks that need attention.

Wells in this county have moderate iron, which can leave orange or brown stains on your clothes, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. The water may taste metallic or look cloudy. Since the water here is soft, you won't face the scale buildup or appliance damage that hard water causes, so that's one less concern for your water heater and dishwasher.

We recommend getting a comprehensive water test to find out exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs to be treated. A full metals and minerals panel costs between two and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like water softeners, filters, or aeration systems can address multiple contaminants at once.