What’s in Your Water? Drinking Water in
Virginia
Erin Ling, M.S.
Virginia Tech
Biological Systems Engineering
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Where does your water come from?



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Public or private supply? Bottled?
Groundwater? Surface water? Both?
Who manages your water system and water
quality?
Is there a source water protection plan in place
for your water supply?
What do you know about your water quality?
2
Today’s Presentation
• The water cycle and groundwater in Virginia
• Public vs. Private Water Supplies
• Drinking Water Regulations
• Care and maintenance of private water systems
• Well location, protection, and construction
• Well maintenance and care
• Water testing
• Dealing with water problems
• Virginia Household Water Quality Program
• Virginia Master Well Owner Network
3
The Water Cycle
Ground-Water-Flow System (Natural Conditions)
Direction and Rate of Ground-Water Movement
Aquifer Material
Sand
Shell material
Crystalline
rock
Sedimentary
rock
Carbonates
Coal
Physiographic Provinces of Virginia
Coastal
Plain
Coastal
Plain
Piedmont
Piedmont
Mesozoic Lowlands
Mesozoic Lowlands
Blue Ridge
BlueValley
Ridge
and Ridge
Valley
and Ridge
Appalachian
Plateau
Appalachian Plateau
Hydrogeology of the Appalachian Plateau
SPRING
FRACTURES
NOT TO SCALE
Geology
Generalized Ground-Water Flow Path
Colluvium and Alluvium
Sandstone
Weathered Bedrock
Coal Seam
Geology
NOT TO SCALE
Geology
Generalized Ground-Water Flow Path
Colluvium and Alluvium
Modified from Harlow and LeCain, 1991
m and Alluvium
Weathered Bedrock
ed Bedrock
e or Shale
nd LeCain, 1991
Sandstone
Coal Seam
Siltstone or Shale
Modified from Harlow and LeCain, 1991
Older Ground Water
Coastal Plain
Piedmont
Mixture of Younger
and Older
Lowlands
Ground
Water Mesozoic
Generalized
Ground-Water
Flow Path
NOT TO SCALE
Siltstone or Shale
Younger Ground Water
Sandstone
Younger Ground Water
Coal
OlderSeam
Ground Water
Mixture of Younger and Older
Ground Water
Blue Ridge
Valley and Ridge
Younger Ground
Water Plateau
Appalachian
Older Ground Water
Mixture of Younger and Older
Ground Water
Hydrogeology of the Valley and Ridge
West
East
?
Coastal Plain
Piedmont
Mesozoic Lowlands
Blue Ridge
Valley and Ridge
Appalachian Plateau
From: Harlow, G.E., Jr., Orndorff, R.C.,
Nelms, D.L., Weary, D.J., and Moberg,
R.M., U. S. Geological Survey Scientific
Investigations Report 2005-5161, p. 30.
Hydrogeology of the Blue Ridge and Piedmont
http://www.hydro.geos.vt.edu/
Coastal Plain
Piedmont
Mesozoic Lowlands
Blue Ridge
Valley and Ridge
Appalachian Plateau
Fractured rock aquifers
Carbonate rock aquifers
Crystalline rock aquifers
Evidence of Water Flow in Fractures
Coastal Plain
Coastal Plain
Piedmont
Mesozoic Lowlands
Blue Ridge
Valley and Ridge
Appalachian Plateau
Public vs. Private Water Supplies
PUBLIC SYSTEMS:
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PRIVATE 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)

Wells are considered private if
they serve fewer than 25 people

Water well construction, location
and application regulations vary
from state to state (monitoring
generally NOT required)

Owner is responsible for
maintenance, routine water
testing, dealing with problems
◦ Non-transient (e.g. school or
restaurant)

Regulated under Safe
Water Act
Drinking
15
Public vs. Private Supplies in VA
PUBLIC SYSTEMS
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38 of Virginia’s 95 counties
completely reliant on
groundwater; 55 counties draw
more than half of supply from
groundwater
Of Virginia’s 2,900 public supplies,
more than 2,300 rely on
groundwater; many are small and
remote with no alternative to
groundwater
Monitoring of water quality
required at the treatment plant;
lead and copper levels must be
monitored from tap water
samples throughout community
PRIVATE SYSTEMS

1.7 million, or 22% of Virginians rely
on private water supplies (wells,
springs, and cisterns)

Private Well Regulations (Va Dept of
Health) went into effect in 1992;
specify construction, location, and
application requirements. Routine
testing and maintenance the
responsibility of the owner.

Homeowners relying on private
water supplies:
 Are responsible for all aspects of
water system management
 Often lack knowledge and resources
to effectively manage
 Usually don’t worry about
maintenance until problems arise
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What about bottled water?

Sources vary; municipal (tap), wells, springs….

FDA regulates bottled water that crosses state lines; some concern about
enforcement during bottling

Additional certifications through IBWA and NSF

Expensive! Tap water is about $.01 per 5 gallons; if it cost the same as
bottled water, average monthly bill would be $9000

In 2011, $11.1 billion was spent on 9.1 billion gallons of bottled water.

Since 2001, consumption has increased 76% in US

167 bottles per person per year!

24% of US bottled water sales are by Dasani (Coke) or Aquafina (Pepsi)
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Safe Drinking Water Act
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Passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by
regulating the nation’s public water supply
Authorized EPA to set health-based drinking water
standards to protect against natural and man-made
contaminants
Original focus on treatment to create safe water; 1996
amendments included more proactive steps……
◦
◦
◦
◦
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Source water protection efforts including surface water systems
Evaluation of susceptibility to contamination
Operator training
Funding for water system improvements
Increased public information
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EPA Drinking Water Standards
Primary Standards
Secondary Standards
• Also called Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL)
• Cause health problems
• Enforced for public systems
• 80+ contaminants, including


o
Nitrate
o
Lead
o
Coliform bacteria
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o
Most organic chemicals and
pesticides
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Also called SMCL or RMCL
Cause aesthetic problems:
o
Staining
o
Taste
o
Odor
Can naturally occur in ground
water
States can choose to enforce
About 15, including:
o
Iron
o
pH
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html
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Consumer Confidence Reports

SDWA requires all
community water
systems to provide
annual reports about
the water they
distribute
From Town of Blacksburg 2008 Report
20
Virginia Drinking Water Regs
• Virginia maintains “primacy” to regulate public drinking
water supplies
•
•

Virginia Water Control Law (1992) / Virginia Water Control Board
Virginia Waterworks Regulations (1995)
Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water
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Source Water Protection

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Basic concepts apply to public and private sources;
consider interaction between the two
Groundwater systems: Wellhead Protection
◦ Understanding of groundwater flow to determine recharge areas;
extremely complex in Virginia due to geology
• Surface water systems: Watershed Protection

Three basic steps:
1.
2.
3.

Delineate assessment boundaries of a drinking water source
Perform inventory of land use activities
Determine relative susceptibility of the drinking water source to
these activities; may include contingency plans or conservation
measures to ensure adequate supply
Community involvement essential for success
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Land use-related Contaminant Sources
Private water supplies
How does water move to a well?
(Bedrock/drilled well)
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In some parts of Virginia, 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 bedrock
Well casing extends through loose
“overburden” and into the bedrock,
where an “open” borehole continues
underground
Water can come from any fractures
that intersect the open borehole
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How does water move to a well?
(Shallow/bored well)
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In the Virginia coastal plain,
shallow wells drilled in sandy soils
are common
Because of shorter travel time,
water is more susceptible to
contamination
Well casing extends to bottom of
well to below saturated zone
Well screen filters sediment from
water
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
Well should be at least:
◦ 5 feet from property boundary
◦ 10 feet from building foundation
(50
feet if termite treated)
◦ 50 feet from road
◦ 50 feet from sewers and septic tanks
◦ 100 feet from pastures, on-lot sewage system drainfields,
cesspools or barnyards
Photo credit: Swistock, Penn State Univ
Proper private well location
Upslope from potential contamination
 Not in an area that receives runoff

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Proper private well construction

Contract a licensed driller:
◦ Valid Class A, B or C contractor license with WWP
(Water Well and Pump) classification

Well casing
◦ Minimum of 20’ for bored, 50 – 100’ deep
drilled, depending on class of well
for
12”
Photo credits: SAIF Water Wells ; Penn State University
◦ Extends 12” above ground
Grouting to a minimum of 20’
 Sanitary well cap or sealed concrete cover
 Ground slopes away from well

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The Finished Product – Drilled Well
Sealed, sanitary well cap
Casing extending >12”
above ground surface
Ground sloping away
from casing
Grout seal
29
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm
The Finished Product – Bored Well
Sealed concrete
cover
Casing extending >12”
above ground surface
Ground sloping away
from casing
Grout seal
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm
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Private Well Maintenance Tips
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Do not use fertilizers, pesticides, oil, or paint around well
Keep area around well clean and accessible
Keep careful records
◦ original contract, water test results and any maintenance or repair
information

Every year:
◦ Conduct thorough visual inspection of well
◦ Check cap for cracks, wear and tear, tightness
Every 3-5 years have well inspected by a qualified
professional (with WWP classification)
 Groundwater is a SHARED resource! Take personal
responsibility!

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Private Water Supply Regulations
• Virginia Private Well Regs
o Specify application, inspection and
construction requirements
o No requirements for maintenance or
water testing after construction of well –
responsibility of the owner!
• EPA National Drinking
Water Standards
o Apply to PUBLIC systems
o Primary (health) and Secondary
(nuisance)
o Can be used as guidance for private
systems to know “how much is too
much”
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Testing water quality

Why test?
◦
◦
◦
◦
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Protect family’s health and safety
Many contaminants undetectable by human senses
Preventive measures often more effective and less expensive
Legal protection
When to test?
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Routine tests every 1-3 years
Pregnant woman or infant in the home
Recurring gastrointestinal illness
Change in taste, appearance, odor of water
Any services or repairs are done
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What should I test for?
Public and private water supply users should
consider testing for metals
 Private supply users:

◦ Every year test for coliform bacteria
 Indicates possible contamination from human or animal waste
◦ Every three years test:
 pH (secondary std: 6.5 – 8.5)
 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS; secondary std 500 mg/L)
 Other contaminants based on local land uses and water condition
Residential
Development
Bacteria
Nitrates
Sediment
Lawn Chemicals
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How do I test my water?


Participate in a VAHWQP drinking water clinic (private
water supply users)
Choose a certified laboratory
◦ List available at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/DrinkingWater/laboratories/

Use containers provided and follow directions
◦ Sample bottles often contain fixers- do not rinse
◦ Be aware of time requirements to get samples to lab
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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
◦ Bacteria
◦ Radon, hardness, pH

1 ppm = about 4
drops in a 55
gallon barrel!
Compare to EPA standards:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html
36
Sources of potential contaminants or
issues of concern
well
Surface water contamination: nitrate, bacteria
Source may be plumbing
materials or existing water
treatment device:
Where a contaminant comessodium
from affects
copper
how we can deal with
lead it!
bacteria
Some are found in groundwater naturally,
either due to human activities on or below
ground:
arsenic
TDS
iron
hardness
37
Options for problem water
1. If possible, control the source of pollution
◦ Divert runoff from well, 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
38
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
Home Treatment Considerations
Be sure to explore ALL of your options
 Always have water tested by a certified lab
 Be aware of dishonest businesses – look for NSF
(National Sanitation Foundation) and WQA (Water
Quality Association) certifications, consult BBB
 If it sounds too good to be true…it probably is!
 Point of Use (POU) vs. Point of Entry (POE)
 Weigh benefits and limitations of device

◦ Cost
◦ Maintenance
◦ Warranty
39
What is the VAHWQP?
Established in 1989
 County-based Drinking Water Clinics

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
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
Coordinated with local Extension Agents
Kickoff Meeting
Homeowners collect sample; samples analyzed at VT lab
Interpretation Meeting: test results and recommendations for care,
maintenance, and addressing problems
~15,800 samples tested
40
Drinking water clinics
•
Testing for :
•
•
•
•
•
Total coliform
E. coli
Nitrate
Fluoride
Sodium
•
•
•
•
•
•
Manganese
• Arsenic
Copper
• Lead
pH
• Quantification of
Total Dissolved Solids bacteria
Sulfate
$49 per sample
Hardness
kit
41
VAHWQP Drinking Water Clinics
YEAR of LAST CLINIC
2008-2013 (in progress)
2003-2007
1996-2002
1989-1995
No clinic held
Virginia Master Well Owner Network
(VAMWON)

Includes extension agents, agency collaborators, volunteers
Training workshops across VA
• Groundwater hydrology
• Proper well location, construction
•
•
•
•
•
and maintenance
Land use impacts and wellhead
protection
Water testing and interpretation
Solving water problems
Education and outreach ideas
Water conservation
VAMWON volunteer outreach:
 Fairs and home shows
 Speak to church or civic groups
 One-on-one conversations with
neighbors and friends
 Write an article for local paper
 Help with drinking water clinic
43
Virginia Master Well Owners by County - 2013
Trained VAMWON volunteer or agency
collaborator in county
Loudoun
Rappa
hannock
Trained VAMWON agent in county
King
George
Trained agent and volunteer
Augusta
Albemarle
Bath
Louisa
Caroline
Nelson
Amherst
Mathews
Bedford
Giles
Prince
Edward
Campbell
Bland
Charlotte
Wise
Smyth
Lee
Scott
Washington
Floyd
Wythe
Franklin
Dinwiddie
Surry
Isle of
Wight
Norfolk
(city)
Halifax
Carroll
Grayson
Lancaster
Powhatan
Patrick
Henry
Mecklenburg
Suffolk
(city)
Revised 6/11
VAMWON and VAHWQP Impacts
•
54 VAMWON agents, 75 volunteers, and 17 agency
collaborators representing 59 counties and 4 cities
•
59 drinking water clinics in 73 counties since 2008
(3274 samples analyzed serving over 7400 people):
• > 80% have never tested or tested only once; wells average 25 years old
• 44% of samples positive for total coliform; 11% of samples positive for E. Coli
• ~20% have lead present in first draw (from plumbing components)
•
After participating in a clinic:
• 74% will test water annually or every few years
• 80% plan to share what they have learned with others
• 28% will seek additional testing following clinic
• 26% will work to determine source of pollution
• 23% will shock chlorinate water system
• 18% will pump out septic system
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2013 Drinking Water Clinics
County(ies)
Page and Shenandoah
Frederick and Clarke
Important Dates
Contact Information
Get Sample
Kit
Collect
Sample
Results
Meeting
6/10
6/12
7/29
6/17
6/19
7/30
6/24
6/26
7/31
7/15
7/17
8/13
8/5
8/7
9/3
8/12
8/14
9/10
Nottoway
9/9
9/11
10/8
Pittsylvania
9/16
9/18
10/15
Franklin
10/7
10/9
11/5
Loudoun
10/14
10/16
11/12
Caroline
10/21
10/23
11/19
Rockingham
11/11
11/13
12/11
Warren
New Kent and Charles
City
Lunenburg and
Charlotte
Mecklenburg and
Halifax
Mark Sutphin
masutph2@vt.edu
540-665-6659
John Allison
jab10352@vt.edu
804-652-4743
Donna Daniel
ddaniel@vt.edu
434-696-5526
Haley McCann
hmccann@vt.edu
434-645-9315
Jamie Stowe
jnstowe@vt.edu
434-432-7770
Cynthia Martel
cmartel@vt.edu
540-483-5161
Corey Childs
cchilds@vt.edu
703-777-0373
Catherine Pitts
pudney@vt.edu
804-633-6550
Amber Vallotton
avallott@vt.edu
540-564-3080
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Interested in learning more?
Come to a drinking water clinic
 Join Virginia Master Well Owner Network!

◦ Learn more about your own water system and how to
protect your water quality and share info with others
◦ Receive 7 hours MG continuing education credits
◦ Apply at: www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu or call Erin
◦ Next Training: Charlottesville – Oct 26, 2013
◦ At VAMWON training workshop:
 Free water conservation devices for home and garden
 Resource binder
47
Erin Ling (wellwater@vt.edu)
Brian Benham (benham@vt.edu)
www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu
Email: wellwater@vt.edu
Ph: 540-231-9058
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race,
color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic
information, marital, family, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia
48
State, Petersburg.