Groundwater in Glascock County contains arsenic, chloride, and fluoride. None of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so levels are low and well owners should not be alarmed.
These three elements occur naturally in the sandy and clay layers that make up the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system beneath this county. As water slowly percolates through these sediments over time, it picks up small amounts of these minerals from the rock itself. The local geology and land use do not concentrate these substances to concerning levels.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low amounts of iron, sodium, and sulfate present. The sandy and clay composition of the aquifer does not dissolve large quantities of hardness minerals the way limestone rock does. These soft-water characteristics are consistent across most wells in the county.
Good news: wells in Glascock County show no contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. However, testing has detected arsenic, chloride, and fluoride in groundwater at lower levels. Arsenic can be a health concern with long-term exposure and poses particular risks to children. Chloride and fluoride at current county levels are not immediate health dangers, but individual wells may vary.
Water in this county is soft, which is good for your pipes and appliances. Moderate iron has been detected in some wells, which can leave orange or brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. It may also give water a metallic taste or smell. The low sodium and sulfate levels mean you won't face the stubborn staining problems that plague some other areas.
Since every well is unique, yours could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common countywide. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water and whether treatment is needed. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron filters or water softeners can address iron concerns if testing shows it is present in your well.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | 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.
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