Groundwater in Fauquier County contains arsenic, iron, manganese, pfoa, pfos, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants present real concerns and warrant testing and attention from well owners in this county.
The Early Mesozoic basin rocks beneath Fauquier County naturally release arsenic, iron, and manganese into groundwater as water moves through them over time. Pfoa and pfos come from human activities and industrial sources in the area. Radon seeps upward from radioactive decay in the bedrock. Sulfate dissolves from minerals in the rock layers.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the rock formations below. These minerals accumulate as water flows slowly through the Early Mesozoic basin aquifers. Hardness is widespread across wells throughout Fauquier County.
Fauquier County wells show several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can damage your kidneys and nerves. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to health problems including liver damage and immune system effects. Manganese at elevated levels can affect your nervous system, and sulfate can cause digestive issues.
The water in Fauquier County is hard, which means mineral buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers. Hard water shortens the lifespan of appliances and reduces their efficiency. You may notice white scale on faucets and fixtures, or spots on dishes and glassware after washing.
Every well is different, and your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs around $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 39 | 28% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 39 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 13 | 15% | Low | High | |
| Arsenic | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Iron | 17 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 21 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 21 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 39 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 21 | — | 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.
* 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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