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Community Steps Up for VA Well Water Testing
15 Jul
Summary
- Private well testing for PFAS in Virginia costs around $300.
- About 22% of Virginians rely on private wells for drinking water.
- Lawmakers restricted PFAS levels in sewage sludge used as fertilizer.
In Virginia, community groups are actively assisting private well users with PFAS testing and treatment, addressing a gap left by current policies. The cost of testing a single well for these "forever chemicals" can reach approximately $300, a significant barrier for many.
Approximately 22% of Virginia's population, totaling about 1.6 million people, depend on private wells for their drinking water. These wells are not covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act, placing the responsibility for testing and treatment squarely on homeowners.
Recent research indicated that around 2% of tested wells exceeded proposed federal limits for PFOA, and 5% exceeded limits for PFOS. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and developmental problems.
Virginia lawmakers have passed legislation to restrict certain PFAS levels in sewage sludge used as fertilizer. However, a proposed $3 million allocation for residential well water testing and treatment did not move forward this legislative session.
Federal support is also being provided, with Virginia receiving $14 million in grants for emerging contaminants. Communities can apply for assistance with infrastructure projects aimed at reducing PFAS exposure, and EPA programs can help distribute test kits to well users.
