Well Water in Halifax County: What to Test and Why

Arsenic, radon, and iron are the main contaminants in Halifax County groundwater that well owners should know about. Arsenic and radon exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels, while iron is present at moderate levels but also exceeds standards.

These contaminants come from the rocks beneath the county. Arsenic and radon occur naturally in the Early Mesozoic basin rock layers that form the aquifers here. Iron dissolves from minerals in those same rock layers and enters the groundwater as it flows through.

Groundwater in this county is soft but contains elevated iron as its main aesthetic character. The iron comes from iron-bearing minerals in the basin rock that slowly release the metal into water as it moves underground. Iron at moderate levels shows up in a substantial number of wells across the county.

Wells in Halifax County contain arsenic, chloride, radon, and elevated iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can harm your kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and raises lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. Chloride at elevated levels can be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets. Iron itself does not cause health problems, but high levels can affect how your body processes certain nutrients.

The county's groundwater is naturally soft, which is good news for scale buildup and appliance damage. However, the moderate iron levels mean you might notice a reddish tint to your water, rusty staining on fixtures or laundry, or a metallic taste. These are annoying but not dangerous. Soft water also means your soap and shampoo will work better than in hard-water areas.

Every well in this county is different, so your water could have higher or lower contaminant levels than what's common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well and how to treat it. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400 and checks for all the concerns found in the county. Depending on your results, treatment options like activated carbon filters or aeration systems can help remove arsenic, radon, or iron.