PFAS Found in Most Virginia Well Water

CLIFF NOTES
● PFAS were detected in nearly all tested private wells across rural Virginia.
● Contamination was found even outside municipal water systems.
● Long-term exposure remains a concern despite generally low detected levels.
● Private wells are not subject to the same monitoring as public systems.
● Regular testing and filtration help reduce household risk.

Across Virginia, roughly 20% of residents rely on private sources like wells, springs, and cisterns for their household water. Unlike municipal systems, these sources fall outside routine testing by public utilities. A new study conducted by Virginia Tech has revealed that even these seemingly untouched rural water supplies often carry PFAS — synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and the human body.

“What we found is that PFAS is pretty much everywhere,” explained Nick McLelland, a master’s engineering student who tested over 300 wells for his thesis. “We found it in 100% of our samples.”

Ubiquitous and Persistent: The PFAS Problem

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used in various industries for decades due to their resistance to water, oil, and heat. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS break down extremely slowly, if at all. Virginia’s public water systems are now required to monitor PFAS levels, but private well owners receive no such mandate.

Even though PFAS levels found in the wells were generally low, McLelland emphasized that their presence was universal. The chemicals themselves may not pose an immediate threat at such low concentrations, but their persistence and potential to accumulate over time present a long-term concern.

Bigger Threats in the Water

While PFAS made headlines, McLelland’s findings exposed a more immediate danger in Virginia’s well water: elevated levels of lead and coliform bacteria. Both pose serious health risks. Lead can harm nearly every system in the body, particularly the nervous systems of children. Coliform bacteria, commonly found in feces, may indicate the presence of pathogens.

These findings suggest that Virginia’s private wells may expose residents to both known and emerging contaminants, particularly when left unmonitored for years.

Preventative Measures and Water Safety

Dr. Leigh Anne Krometis, McLelland’s advisor, emphasized that well owners have options. “The same kind of treatment that gets rid of PFAS, like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, also will remove things like lead,” she said.

However, she acknowledged that these solutions are not always affordable. Installation and maintenance of effective treatment systems can be costly, putting them out of reach for many rural households. Krometis advocates for greater financial assistance to make these systems more accessible. “More assistance to help well owners afford filters would have long-lasting health benefits,” she noted.

The Testing Gap

A central issue is that testing private wells remains the homeowner’s responsibility. Unlike public water systems, which undergo regular scrutiny, private wells often go untested for years. Krometis recommended routine testing at least every few years, calling it an essential part of maintaining household health.

“Good well maintenance will protect you from the things we do know, and the things we don’t,” she advised.

The Virginia Household Water Quality Program offers financial help and resources for residents seeking to test or treat their water. This support could be vital in rural areas where people rely heavily on groundwater and may lack the means to identify or address contamination.

Reverse Osmosis and Whole-Home Water Conditioners

Reverse osmosis systems can remove a wide range of harmful substances, including PFAS, lead, and other inorganic contaminants. Whole-home water conditioners, when combined with carbon filtration, offer a second line of defense by improving water quality throughout the entire household. These systems reduce exposure risks during cooking, bathing, and cleaning — not just drinking.

In areas like rural Virginia, where groundwater serves as the main water source, these technologies provide practical protection. Though costly upfront, their long-term benefits for household health and safety make them a worthwhile investment, especially when paired with available financial aid programs.

Source: WVTF