Radon, arsenic, and chloride are present in Lanier County's groundwater. Radon levels exceed the EPA health standard and are a concern for well owners here.
Radon enters groundwater naturally from radioactive minerals in the rock and soil surrounding the aquifer. Arsenic and chloride also occur naturally in the sand and clay layers that make up this shallow aquifer system. The surficial aquifer's loose composition allows these naturally occurring contaminants to reach groundwater in this region.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the sandy and clayey layers below. These minerals dissolve into water as it moves through the aquifer. Moderate hardness is common across wells throughout Lanier County.
Radon is the main health concern in wells across Lanier County. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks underground. When radon builds up in your home, breathing it over many years raises your risk of lung cancer. Radon in well water can also release into the air you breathe inside your house.
Wells in this county have moderate hardness, which means you may see white buildup on faucets and fixtures. Hard water can leave spots on dishes and make soap less effective for cleaning. Over time, moderately hard water can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers. The mineral levels that cause these problems are common in Lanier County wells.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water, since every well is different. Your well could have higher or lower radon levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive test that checks for radon and other contaminants, which costs between $200 and $400. Radon removal systems and water softeners are treatment options that can help reduce these concerns.
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 ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 9 | — | 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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