Well Water in Hanover County: What to Test and Why

Radon, iron, and manganese are the main contaminants in Hanover County groundwater that well owners need to know about. All three exceed EPA health standards, making them a genuine concern for your household's water quality.

These contaminants come from the rock beneath the county. The Early Mesozoic basin rocks that form your aquifer naturally contain radioactive elements that produce radon, and iron and manganese minerals dissolve into the water as it moves slowly through these layers.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and elevated in iron. The dissolved iron comes from minerals in the rock formations underlying the area. Most wells across the county show these same iron and moderate hardness characteristics.

Hanover County wells contain iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can damage your kidneys, liver, and nervous system with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over time.

Wells in this county often have moderate iron levels that cause orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and surfaces. You might notice a metallic taste or smell in your water. The moderately hard water can leave scale buildup on pipes and appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend getting your well tested right away since radon, iron, and manganese all exceed standards here. A comprehensive metals and radon panel costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Treatment options like radon mitigation systems, iron filters, and water softeners can address these concerns once you know your specific results.