Groundwater in Franklin County contains radon, arsenic, and chloride. Radon levels exceed the EPA health standard and warrant attention, while arsenic and chloride are present but at levels below health limits.
Radon enters groundwater naturally from radioactive elements in the crystalline bedrock that underlies this county. Arsenic and chloride also occur naturally in these ancient rocks. The hard crystalline rock that makes up the Piedmont and Blue Ridge geology in this area releases these elements slowly into the water as it moves underground.
Groundwater in Franklin County is soft with very low iron and sulfate, making it aesthetically clean and free from mineral buildup concerns. The crystalline rock in this region does not contain the limestone or iron-rich layers that would dissolve into water and add those minerals. Most wells in the county show this same soft, low-mineral character.
Radon is the main health concern found in Franklin County wells at levels above EPA standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks underground and can build up in your home. Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers and children who spend a lot of time indoors.
The good news about wells in this county is that mineral levels are low across the board. Your water should not stain your sinks or fixtures, leave scale buildup in pipes, or taste salty or bitter. Soft water like this is actually easier on your appliances and plumbing.
We recommend testing your well right away since radon at high levels is a serious health risk. Every well is different--yours could have more radon or less than what is common in the county. A comprehensive radon test costs around $150 to $300 and is the only way to know what you are dealing with. Radon can be treated with aeration systems or activated carbon filters designed for this gas.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 19 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | 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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