Groundwater in Floyd County contains PFOA and PFOS, which are industrial chemicals that have been detected in wells across the region. Both of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, and well owners should have their water tested to determine if their supply is affected.
PFOA and PFOS come from human sources rather than natural rock. These chemicals are used in manufacturing and have contaminated groundwater through industrial discharge, firefighting foam, and other land-based sources. Carbonate rock aquifers like those in Floyd County allow water to move quickly through cracks and channels, which can speed contamination from the surface down to drinking water supplies.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the limestone bedrock. The carbonate rock that makes up the Valley and Ridge aquifers naturally releases these minerals as water passes through, and this moderate hardness is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Floyd County have been found to contain PFOA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These chemicals can build up in your body over time and have been linked to health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, and developmental issues. Because these substances don't break down easily in the environment or in your body, reducing exposure is important for your family's health.
The moderate hardness in county well water can cause white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures, and may leave spots on dishes and glassware. Hard water also reduces how well soap works, so you might notice it takes more shampoo or detergent to get things clean. Over time, moderately hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well right away to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel that tests for PFOA, PFOS, and other metals runs between $200 and $400. Testing is the only way to know exactly what needs to be treated, and specialized filtration or other treatment systems can remove these contaminants.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 45% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Arsenic | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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