Well Water in King and Queen County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in King and Queen County contains chloride, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

The source of these contaminants lies in the county's coastal plain geology and saltwater influence. Chloride enters the groundwater from saltwater that has moved inland through sandy and clay layers near the surface, a natural process in areas close to the Atlantic coast. Manganese and sulfate come from minerals in the sand and clay aquifer layers themselves, released into water as it moves through the ground.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the sand and clay deposits below. The coastal plain sediments naturally contain minerals that add hardness to water as it flows through them. Most wells in this county show this very hard character, making it a widespread condition across the area.

Wells in King and Queen County commonly have chloride, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can affect the nervous system, especially in children, and cause learning and behavior problems with long-term exposure. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues and affect people with certain health conditions. These contaminants come from natural sources in the ground in this area.

The very hard water in county wells creates practical problems for daily life. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It makes soap less effective for cleaning and can leave spots on dishes and skin. Over time, very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic or bitter taste in the water from the mineral content.

We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show you what you are dealing with. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your water actually needs. Water softeners can reduce hardness, and carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can help remove some contaminants.