Groundwater in Isle of Wight County contains fluoride, iron, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and warrant your attention.
The Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system here is made of sand, clay, and silt layers that naturally release fluoride and iron into water as it flows through them. Chloride comes from saltwater that has moved inland from the Atlantic Ocean over time, mixing with fresh groundwater in this low-lying coastal area.
Groundwater in this county is soft overall, but high sodium is the dominant mineral character in your water. Sodium accumulates in this coastal region partly from the same saltwater intrusion that brings chloride, and partly from the natural mineral composition of the sand and clay layers. High sodium levels are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Chloride, fluoride, and iron exceed EPA health standards in wells across Isle of Wight County. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney problems. Fluoride above recommended levels can cause dental fluorosis, which damages tooth enamel. Iron at high concentrations may cause digestive issues and other health concerns over time.
The water in this county tends to have high sodium, which affects taste and can be a concern for people on salt-restricted diets. While the water is relatively soft, the elevated iron can leave rust-colored stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may also notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water from these minerals.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like iron filters or chloride removal systems can help protect your family's health.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 56 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 32 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 58 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 56 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 37 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 56 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
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