Groundwater in Prince William County contains pfos, pfoa, manganese, radon, nitrate, chloride, sulfate, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning and warrant testing and possible treatment.
The early Mesozoic basin rock beneath Prince William County naturally releases manganese and radon as groundwater flows through it. Nitrate, chloride, and sulfate come from human activities on the land surface--septic systems, road salt, fertilizers, and industrial use--that seep down into the aquifer. Pfoa and pfos are human-made chemicals from industrial and commercial sources that have contaminated groundwater in this region.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock as water passes through. These minerals are released naturally from the bedrock as part of normal groundwater movement. Elevated manganese and radon are also common findings across wells here.
Wells in Prince William County exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate. Nitrate exposure harms infants and can reduce oxygen in the blood. Radon is radioactive and increases lung cancer risk when breathed over time. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can affect the liver, thyroid, and immune system. Manganese at high levels damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems and other health issues.
County wells show moderate hardness, which can leave scale buildup inside pipes and appliances. This scale reduces water flow and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a chalky or cloudy appearance in your water, or mineral spots on faucets and fixtures.
Every well in this county is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be treated properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. Water softeners and activated carbon filters can address several of these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 23 | 39% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 128 | 35% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 23 | 26% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 156 | 20% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 156 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 105 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 156 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Radon | 95 | 1% | Moderate | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 120 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 156 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 156 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 201 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 156 | — | High | 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.
Loading recent water news…