Groundwater in Prince Edward County contains iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. All three contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should know about.
The Early Mesozoic basin rocks beneath this county naturally contain iron-rich minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water passes through them. Manganese comes from the same rock layer alongside the iron. Radon is a radioactive gas released by uranium decay within these same rocks, and it seeps into groundwater as it moves through cracks and pores underground.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and notably high in iron, with iron being the dominant mineral that shapes the water's character. The basin rocks here are naturally iron-bearing, and as groundwater slowly moves through them over time, iron dissolves into the water in significant amounts. These elevated iron and moderate hardness levels are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Iron, manganese, and radon exceed EPA health standards in wells across Prince Edward County. Iron and manganese are metals that can build up in your body over time and cause problems with your nervous system and organ function. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and poses a serious health risk, especially with long-term exposure in your home.
Your water may show orange or brown staining on fixtures and laundry because of the elevated iron levels. Iron can give water a metallic taste and create rust-colored deposits in pipes and appliances. Your water is moderately hard, which means scale can form inside water heaters and dishwashers, shortening how long they last. You might also notice some discoloration or staining in sinks and bathtubs.
Every well is different, and your water 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 well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and radon panel to check for all three contaminants at once. Iron and manganese filters, along with radon mitigation systems, are treatment options that can help.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | 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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