Household Water Quality in Goochland and Powhatan Counties, Virginia

Powhatan Counties participated in a drinking water testing clinic sponsored by the local Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) office and the Virginia Household Water Quality Program. Clinic participants received a confidential water sample analysis and attended educational meetings, where they learned how to interpret their water test results and address potential issues. According to survey data collected, 24 samples were tested, serving 55 individuals. The most common household water quality issues identified were high levels of copper, lead, and the presence of acidic water and total coliform bacteria. The figure found at the end of this report, shows these common water quality issues along with basic information on standards, causes, and treatment options. Background More than 1.7 million Virginians use private water supplies such as wells, springs, and cisterns. The Virginia Household Water Quality Program (VAHWQP) began in 1989 with the purpose of improving the water quality of Virginians reliant on private water supplies. Since then drinking water clinics have been conducted in 90 counties across Virginia and samples analyzed from more than 16,000 households. In 2007, the Virginia Master Well Owner Network (VAMWON) was formed to suppor