Groundwater in Habersham County contains radon and arsenic, both at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are serious concerns for well owners in this area.
Arsenic and radon come from the rock itself in this county. The crystalline rock that makes up the aquifer naturally contains these elements, and as water moves through the rock over time, it picks them up. This is a natural problem with this type of rock, not something caused by pollution or land use.
Groundwater in Habersham County is soft and low in iron and other minerals. The crystalline rock here does not release much calcium, magnesium, or iron into the water as it flows through. Most wells in this county have this same soft water character with low mineral content.
Wells in Habersham County have been found with arsenic and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can cause cancer and damage to the nervous system, bones, and skin with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over time. Both of these contaminants pose serious health concerns for your family.
The good news is that wells in this county generally do not have the mineral problems that cause staining, odor, or scale buildup. Your water is soft, which means appliances like water heaters will not suffer the damage that hard water causes. You should not experience discolored water or unpleasant tastes from minerals.
Testing your well is the only way to know whether arsenic or radon is in your water right now. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive testing panel that covers both of these contaminants, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or aeration systems can remove or reduce these contaminants once you know what you are dealing with.
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 ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 22 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | 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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