�Drinking Water Clinic�Interpretation Meeting��Virginia Cooperative Extension��Erin Ling and Meredith Snyder�Virginia Household Water Quality Program�Virginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering�

PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES IN VIRGINIA

1.6 million Virginians rely on wells, springs or cisterns (21% of the population; 1 in 5 people)

In the U.S. municipal water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act; private supplies are not!

Homeowners relying on private water supplies:

• Are responsible for all aspects of water system management
• May lack knowledge and resources to effectively manage
• Usually don’t worry about testing or maintenance until problems arise

Groundwater is a shared resource – our actions can affect others’ water supplies too!

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Bored well

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES

PUBLIC SYSTEMS:

• Community water systems may be run by local government, PSA, HOA or private company
• Considered public system if serving more than 15 service connections/25 people more than 60 days of the year
• Non-community systems:
• Transient (e.g. campground)
• Non-transient (e.g. school or restaurant)
• Regulated under Safe Drinking Water Act
• Many rely on groundwater

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PRIVATE SYSTEMS:

• Wells are considered private if they serve fewer than 15 connections/25 people/60 days
• Water well construction, location and application regulations through VDH, effective 1992 (monitoring and maintenance NOT required)
• Owner is responsible for maintenance, routine water testing, dealing with problems
• Also: springs and cisterns!

What do most people know about wells?

What do most people do about wells?

Own home or have a mortgage

• Minimal testing (bacteria, sometimes lead) when home was purchased as required by most lenders, often following shock chlorination, which can mask bacteria issues
• In-depth well inspection is NOT included in home inspection
• Other water testing is rare or infrequent (<¼ of VAHWQP participants have tested more than once)
• Additional testing or inspections may be difficult to arrange as they may slow down the purchase

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What do most people know about wells? What do most people do about wells?

Renters

• Minimal to no awareness of water source when renting
• NO requirements for routine testing or addressing problems for landlords/owners: only HOT RUNNING water is required; assume public source
• If problems are discovered, becomes a civil dispute with land/home owner
• Some assistance may be available through DSS if children are in the house
• Little testing, maintenance or treatment by many owners

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WHAT IS THE VAHWQP?

• Drinking water clinics coordinated with trained local extension agents in 70+ counties annually
• Confidential and affordable testing for 28 parameters
• Homeowners collect samples
• Coordinate transport; samples analyzed at Virginia Tech labs
• Provide interpretation of results and information about maintenance and addressing problems
• Personal and empowering: people connect with their own water
• 50,000+ samples total analyzed from all counties

VAHWQP DRINKING WATER

CLINICS*

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• Total coliform (MPN)
• E. Coli (MPN)
• Nitrate
• Fluoride
• Sodium
• Manganese
• Iron
• Copper
• pH
• Total dissolved solids
• Sulfate
• Hardness
• Arsenic
• Lead
• Uranium

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2016: $52 per sample kit

2026 cost:

$70 per kit

*Research lab, NOT state-certified lab.

Follow all standard methods, QA/QC.

For information and education purposes.

Only process in batches through clinics.

Results take at least 4 weeks!

• Molybdenum
• Cadmium
• Barium
• Vanadium
• Aluminum
• Silicon
• Phosphorus
• Titanium
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Chloride
• Cobalt
• Potassium
• Nickel
• Silver
• Tin
• Cesium

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*% exceeding EPA standards or recommendations according to SDWA (municipal regulations)

WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER*?�(2008-2024; N=31,220)

VAHWQP SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS �(2008-2024; N=31,220)

Wells are an average of 28 years old.

67% of participants have never tested or tested only once.

The most common treatment devices are for aesthetic contaminants.

Type of treatment device

System type

Today’s presentation

• The water cycle and groundwater in Virginia
• Public vs. private water supplies
• Drinking water regulations
• Private water supplies: wells and springs
• Management considerations
• Testing
• Addressing problems

WATER CYCLE

AQUIFER MATERIALS IMPACT WATER QUALITY (AND QUANTITY)!

SAND

CRYSTALLINE

ROCK

CARBONATE

ROCK

SHELL

MATERIAL

SEDIMENTARY

ROCK

COAL

PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCES OF VIRGINIA

HOW DOES WATER MOVE TO MY WELL?�(BEDROCK/DRILLED WELL)

Well casing extends through loose “overburden” and into the bedrock, where an “open” borehole continues underground

Groundwater moves through fractures, or cracks in the bedrock

Water can come from many different directions, depths, and sources into one well

It can take water hours, days, or years to move through to bedrock

Water can come from any fractures that intersect the open borehole

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HOW DOES WATER MOVE TO MY WELL?�(SCREENED WELL)�

In drilled or bored wells in sandy aquifers, groundwater fills up the pore spaces between grains of sediment or sand

In shallow wells, water moves relatively quickly from the surface down into the water table; with deeper wells, it takes more time.

There are a large range of depths of wells reaching aquifers at varying levels

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PROPER WELL LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION

At least 50-100’ and upslope from contamination sources

Not in an area that receives runoff

Ground slopes away from well

Well casing at least 12” above ground

Grout seal around casing (have checked by a well driller)

Sanitary well cap (drilled well) or sealed concrete cover (bored well)

Photo credits: SAIF Water Wells ; Penn State University

Drilled well

Bored/dug well

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm

WELL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Do not use fertilizers, pesticides, oil, or paint near well

Keep area around well clean and accessible

Keep careful records

• original contract, water test results and any maintenance or repair information
• well completion reports after 1990 are public and available from local health department

Every year:

• Conduct thorough visual inspection of well
• Check cap for cracks, wear and tear, tightness
• Test for coliform bacteria (at least)!

Every 1-3 years have well inspected by a licensed well driller

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PRIVATE WATER SUPPLY REGULATIONS

Virginia Private Well Regulations

• Specify application, inspection and construction requirements
• No requirements for maintenance or water testing after construction of well – responsibility of the owner!

EPA National Drinking Water Standards

• Apply to PUBLIC systems
• Primary (health) and Secondary (nuisance)
• Can be used as guidance for private systems to know “how much is too much”

Other standards from CDC, WHO, state entities may be relevant

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EPA SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT

Primary Standards

Also called Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

Cause health problems

Enforced for municipal systems

Includes specific chemicals and pesticides

94 contaminants, including

• Lead
• Coliform and E. coli bacteria
• Copper
• Arsenic
• Nitrate

Secondary Standards

Also called SMCL (Secondary) or RMCL (Recommended)

Cause aesthetic/nuisance problems:

• Staining
• Taste
• Odor

Many naturally occur in groundwater

About 15 contaminants, including:

• Iron
• Sulfate
• Manganese
• Hardness

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→ other types of standards are defined on page 1 of your report

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Terms and abbreviations

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TESTING WATER QUALITY

Why test?

• Protect family’s health and safety
• Many contaminants undetectable by human senses
• Preventive measures often more effective and less expensive
• Possible legal protection in case of changes to water due to nearby impacts

When to test?

• Routine tests every 1-3 years (annual testing for bacteria)
• Pregnant woman or infant in the home
• Recurring gastrointestinal illness (guests too!)
• Change in taste, appearance, or odor of water
• Any time services or repairs are done (well cap opened/pump pulled up)

UNDERSTANDING TEST RESULTS

Most results provided as concentrations:

• mg/L (milligrams per liter) ≈ ppm (parts per million)
• µg/L = (micrograms per liter) ≈ ppb (parts per billion)

Other units unique to test

• Hardness (e.g. grains per gallon), pH scale

Compare to EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html

How much?

4 drops of ink in a

55 gallon barrel of

water results in an

“ink concentration”

of 1 mg/L or ppm!

SOURCES OF POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS OR ISSUES OF CONCERN

pH/corrosivity

hardness

nitrate

fluoride

TDS

iron

manganese

sulfate

chloride

sodium

Surface water contamination: nitrate, bacteria

Source may be plumbing materials or existing water treatment device:

sodium

copper

lead

bacteria

Some are found in groundwater naturally, either due to human activities on or below ground:

well

Where a contaminant comes from affects how we can deal with it!

arsenic

OPTIONS FOR PROBLEM WATER

1. If possible, control the source of pollution

• Divert runoff, maintain septic system

2. Improve maintenance of water system

• Install sanitary well cap, slope the ground

3. Treat the water to reduce contaminant concentration

• Match the treatment option to the pollutant
• Consult a professional

4. Develop a new source of water

• Deeper well, develop spring, connect to public water

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http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/septic-tank-cleaning-1.jpg, http://www.shipewelldrilling.com/Pictures/well_drilling_rig.jpg, http://www.clearflow.ca/REVERSE_OSMOSIS2.jpg

TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS

No treatment device can remove all contaminants

Each device has tradeoffs; be sure to explore ALL of your options

Always have water tested by a third-party certified lab

Certifications to look for:

• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) – certifies DEVICES
• Water Quality Association (WQA) – trains WATER TREATMENT SPECIALISTS and certifies DEVICES

Point of Use (POU) vs. Point of Entry (POE)

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (e.g., magnets, electronic charge, magic)

Consider: upfront cost, maintenance requirements and warranty

MANY HOMES ON WELLS

ALSO HAVE A SEPTIC SYSTEM

Septic system best practices:

• Pump septic system regularly (3-5 years) with licensed company
• Avoid putting harsh chemicals, additives, cleaners down drain
• Avoid using garbage disposal or putting food down the drain
• Reduce water volume when possible (spread out laundry loads, use low flow faucets and toilets)
• Plant only grass on drainfield to avoid tree root damage, avoid excess water drainage on drainfield
• Point downspouts away from drainfield
• Don’t drive vehicles on drainfield

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MANY HOMES ON WELLS

ALSO HAVE A SEPTIC SYSTEM

Signs of septic system trouble:

• Bad odors around drainfield after heavy water use or rain
• Soggy soil or lush green grass over tank or drainfield
• Standing water over drainfield
• Slow draining fixtures
• Plumbing back ups
• High levels of bacteria or nitrate in nearby wells

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More info here: https://www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/septics.php

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEST REPORT

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SAMPLE TEST REPORT

• Page 1 - how to read report

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** health contaminant

* nuisance contaminant

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Meets = within range

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Does not meet = exceeds or outside recommended range

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Contact information for your Extension office and VAHWQP people

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Key for different standards and levels of concern for drinking

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Common issues for this group

total coliform bacteria

low pH

lead

copper

aluminum

sodium

iron

manganese

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SECTION 1

Coliform and E. coli bacteria

Ideally both are absent (meets)

40% samples present for total coliform

8% samples present for E. coli

MPN = most probable # (estimate of how many bacteria are present)

Does not meet means PRESENT!

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COLIFORM BACTERIA

Coliform bacteria is an indicator organism

• Generally harmless in itself
• Present in soil, from animals/humans, common in environment
• Means disease-causing bacteria may also be present
• Water recently on the surface may be reaching well water

Public standard is 0, or absent (in municipal supplies)

If present, don’t panic!

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​

http://support.cleanwaterstore.com/blog/sources-of-coliform-bacteria-contamination-in-home-well-water/

COLIFORM BACTERIA PRESENT

• Check well for pathways surface water can enter well
• Casing intact and extends above ground at least 12”?
• Sealed, sanitary well cap is installed and secure?
• Ground slopes away from well?
• Has driller checked for grout seal?
• Shock chlorination and repairs; retest after 2-4 weeks
• Long term treatment options: UV light, ozonation, continuous chlorination

http://support.cleanwaterstore.com/blog/sources-of-coliform-bacteria-contamination-in-home-well-water/

E. COLI BACTERIA PRESENT

More serious result: human or animal waste is entering water supply

• Take immediate steps to address
• Boil water or use another source of water for drinking or cooking

Check well for pathways surface water can enter well

Shock chlorinate, repairs and retest after 2-4 weeks

Long-term treatment options: UV light, ozonation, continuous disinfection

http://www.kimicontrol.com/microorg/escherichia_coli.jpg

BACTERIA MPN

If bacteria are present, you will see a number under the word PRESENT.

MPN = Most Probable Number (statistical estimate of the number of bacteria per 100 mL water)

Number (of coliform and E. Coli) ranges from 1 to >2419.

• ABSENT: MPN will be ND (not detected)
• TNTC = Too Numerous To Count = >2419 MPN

Still want to see both types of bacteria ABSENT/Meets

Gives people an idea of the extent of the problem for both total coliform and E. coli.

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How much?

Colilert ™ is added to the water, which is poured into a tray and sealed. Yellow = coliform present and fluorescing under ultraviolet light = E. coli present.

SECTIONS 2 AND 3

Metals found in household plumbing

Biggest concerns are lead and copper

May be related to pH; low pH = corrosive or acidic water

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Sodium

Natural sources (e.g. road salt, geology) or softener (treatment to remove iron or hardness)

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pH

• Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance (0 – 14) scale
• Logarithmic scale: pH = 5 is 100 times more acidic than pH = 7
• Good indicator of general water quality; largely driven by geology

CORROSIVE WATER

Water is “aggressive”; corrodes metal plumbing

• Dissolves metals present into drinking water
• Causes pitting and pinhole leaks
• Reduces length of appliance life (e.g. water heaters)

Commonly caused by low pH; other contributing factors include alkalinity, temperature, TDS levels

EPA recommends drinking water be non-corrosive; metals like lead and copper can be a health concern

Long-term treatment: acid neutralizing filter or soda ash injection (depending on pH)

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http://www.bushman.cc/photos/Copper_Water_Pipe_Corrosion.jpg;

METALS OF CONCERN: LEAD

Lead

• Linked to many serious health effects, especially in children and infants
• Developmental, neurological, reproductive and renal problems
• Cumulative poison; small amounts accumulate in body over time

Lead MCL Goal is 0 mg/L with a health action level of 0.010 mg/L; American Association of Pediatrics has set a level of 0.001 mg/L for drinking water for children and in schools

Sources include:

• Lead solder in homes built prior to 1986
• “Lead-free” brass fittings and fixtures (<8% lead until January 2014, when the allowed level was lowered to 0.25%)
• Some galvanized steel components in wells

ADDRESSING LEAD IN WATER

• Even if below 0.010 ppm, take action, especially if children/pregnant people are drinking the water
• Discuss test results with your physician
• Compare first draw and flushed results
• Metals may be highest with corrosive water and contact time with pipes
• Flushing pipes may address problem, if flushed lead level is considerably lower.

Treatment options

• Activated carbon filter (e.g. Brita or Pur) or reverse osmosis - maintain as directed
• Acid neutralizing filter can address corrosivity of water if pH < 6.5; however, corrosivity can be caused by other factors as well

Use another source of water known to be safe

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COPPER

High levels can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps

Infants and children particularly sensitive

EPA MCL (health level) is 1.3 mg/L

Nuisance effects, such as blue-green staining, noticeable at 1.0 mg/L

Corrosion causes other damage including leaks

Treatment: address corrosion with acid neutralizer or remove copper with reverse osmosis

Photo credit: Utah DEQ

OTHER PLUMBING CONTAMINANTS

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SODIUM

Varying levels occur naturally; high levels from man-made sources

• Road salt storage or application, industrial waste, sewage, fertilizers or animal waste
• Natural sources (some bedrock and sediments)
• WATER SOFTENER – works by ion exchange: extracts calcium, magnesium, iron, adds sodium

EPA recommendation for those on low-sodium diets is very low: 20 mg/L

Consider sources of salt in diet and discuss with doctor - Americans consume an average of 3,400 mg/day!

Higher levels may indicate contamination – test for bacteria or other contaminants

Salty taste; and may accelerate corrosion of pipes and water heaters

Treat using distillation, reverse osmosis

/www.cotrip.org/winterdriving/images/pic6.jpg; /www.apswater.com/images/fleck%205600.jpg

SECTIONS 4 AND 5

Other health related contaminants

---------------------------------

Nuisance contaminants (cause staining, taste, smell or tint/color)

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NITRATE (NO₃-N)

Serious health concern for infants

Methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome”

• Nitrate → nitrite during digestion and blood cannot carry oxygen

MCL is 10 mg/L NO₃-N or 45 mg/L of NO₃

• If 3-5 mg/L, do not use water for infants under 6 months

Sources include fertilizer, animal manure, sewage; NO₃ dissolves and moves easily through soil

Test in spring months; levels change over time with fertilizer application

BOILING INCREASES concentration of nitrates!

Treatment: distillation, reverse osmosis, anion exchange

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http://wi.water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS-221-95/p2.gif

ARSENIC

Occurs naturally in some rocks; more common in groundwater supplies when water levels rise and fall frequently

Used in wood preservatives, paints, pesticides, etc.

Linked to many types of cancer, stomach pain, paralysis, and blindness

EPA primary standard (MCL) is 0.010 mg/L

Treatment: reverse osmosis, distillation

STRONTIUM

Strontium (Sr) is found in natural deposits and can affect skeletal development, resulting in decreased bone calcification, especially in children with poor diets (low in protein and calcium).

EPA does not list an MCL or MCLG for non-radioactive strontium, but currently has a one-day health advisory level of 25 mg/L and a lifetime health advisory level of 4 mg/L (proposed to be lowered to 1.5 mg/L, but EPA hasn’t acted on this for public systems yet).

Sr concentrations in surface water and groundwater tend to range from a few to a few tens of parts per million.

Naturally occurring Sr isotopes are not radioactive, which is what we believe occurs in your area (occurs where limestone does).

Treatment: water softener or reverse osmosis

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URANIUM

Uranium is a radioactive element that occurs naturally in deposits of certain types of rocks, some of which are found in Virginia.

EPA primary standard (MCL) is 0.030 mg/L or 30 ppb

Drinking water with levels above 0.030 mg/L may cause kidney problems, and possibly cardiovascular illness or cancer. Contact your doctor if concerned

Treatment: reverse osmosis, distillation

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https://energy.virginia.gov/geology/uranium.shtml

FLUORIDE

Occurs naturally; some high levels in E. Virginia groundwater – most well water has almost NO fluoride

Added to many public water systems for strong teeth and bones (levels 0.8-1.2 mg/L); limit intake for kids under 8

Health concerns:

• Long term exposure: links to bone cancer
• Shorter term exposure: dental or skeletal fluorosis

EPA MCL 4.0 mg/L and SMCL 2.0 mg/L

Treatment (reverse osmosis) removes ALL fluoride

http://www.willamettedental.com/en_us/ALL/patients/pps/retailproducts_prettysmile.gif; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_fluorosis

OTHER HEALTH CONTAMINANTS

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IRON AND MANGANESE

Nuisance - not health concern for most

SMCL: Iron = 0.3 mg/L; Mn = 0.05 mg/L

Red/brown/black staining, particles, metallic taste

Tend to occur together in geology

Concentrations should be ADDED to determine treatment

Treatment depends on type/form of each

• Ferrous/Manganous: water initially clear 🡪 orange-brown or black solid particles
• Ferric/Manganic: solid particles visible immediately, or water has a tint
• Iron bacteria: not a health concern; feed on Fe and Mn, red-brown or black-brown slime

Treatment: water softener, aeration/filtration, ozonation, distillation

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/images-water-quality/chemicals/water%20in%20reddish-brown.jpg

HARDNESS/SCALING

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, dissolved from limestone and other minerals

Not a health risk – nuisance

• Decreased cleaning action of soaps, detergents
• Scale build-up in pipes and on appliances
• Reduced efficiency and lifespan of water heaters

No EPA standard for public systems

Treat using water softener

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www.goodcleanwater.com/fyi.htm; www.watersoftening.org/effects_of_hard_water.htm;

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TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS)

Water is a solvent: dissolves many compounds as it travels over and under ground

TDS is a measure of all dissolved impurities

Natural sources: limestone, salt deposits, other minerals

Man-made sources: septic systems, runoff from agricultural or urban land, road salt, industrial sources

General indicator of water quality; test at least every three years

EPA SMCL is 500 mg/L

Treat using distillation or reverse osmosis

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids

SULFATE AND HYDROGEN SULFIDE

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that causes rotten egg smell

• natural geology: shale, sandstone, coal or oil fields
• sulfur-reducing bacteria present in wells or water heaters (not a health risk)
• may only be noticeable in hot water

If smell only noticeable in hot water:

• Bacteria could be thriving in water heater
• Sulfates may be converted to H₂S chemically in your water heater during a reaction with your magnesium corrosion control rod

Sulfate

• nuisance contaminant (SMCL is 250 mgL)
• from certain geology
• can cause nausea or a laxative effect

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SECTION 6

• Contaminants without a drinking water nuisance or health standard

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• Additional information for any contaminants or measures that exceed guidelines or fall outside the recommended range

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OUR PARTNER: SERCAP

SERCAP’s Mission is: To improve the Quality of Life for low-income individuals by promoting affordable water and wastewater facilities, community development, environmental health, and economic �self-sufficiency.

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SERCAP provides:

• Well assessments (not the same as inspection by a driller)
• Grant program to cover partial costs of repairs or installation of wells or septic systems
• Individual loans Up to $15,000 for the replacement, repair, or construction of a new well or septic; 1% interest, 10-20 years term, no credit requirement

Contact: https://sercap.org/ or (540) 345-1184

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Virginia Household Water Quality Program

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State program personnel:

Erin Ling (wellwater@vt.edu)

Meredith Snyder (meredithds@vt.edu)

www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu

email: wellwater@vt.edu

ph: 540-231-9058

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Additional resources + FAQ + answers here!