Iron, arsenic, and chloride are present in Prince George County groundwater. Iron reaches moderate levels that exceed the EPA health standard, while arsenic and chloride remain low.
Iron gets into the water naturally as it dissolves from the sand and clay layers that make up the aquifer system in this region. These layers have been sitting underground for a very long time, allowing water to pick up iron slowly. Arsenic and chloride occur naturally in the same rock layers at lower amounts.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium that come from minerals in the sand and clay below. These minerals dissolve into water as it moves through the aquifer over time. Moderate hardness and moderate iron are common findings across wells throughout the county, though individual wells can vary.
Iron exceeds EPA health standards in wells throughout Prince George County. Elevated iron in drinking water can cause problems with blood function and oxygen transport in your body. Arsenic, while not exceeding standards countywide, is present in some wells and can increase health risks over time with long-term exposure. Testing your specific well is the only way to know what you are actually drinking.
Wells in this county tend to be moderately hard, which means you may notice scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron in the water can leave reddish or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are difficult to remove. You might also detect a metallic taste or smell. Over time, moderately hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what contaminants are present in your home's supply. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and will show you what needs treatment. Depending on results, iron removal filters or water softening systems can address these concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Chloride | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 15 | — | Moderate | 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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