Groundwater in Paulding County contains radon, manganese, and PFOA--all three at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants warrant attention and testing of your individual well.
Radon and manganese come from the crystalline bedrock--granite and related rocks--that underlies this county. As water moves slowly through cracks in this hard rock, it dissolves these elements naturally. PFOA is a human-made chemical that enters groundwater through industrial or commercial activities and contamination of soil and water.
Groundwater in Paulding County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the bedrock that water contacts over time. The granite and similar crystalline rocks here break down slowly, releasing these minerals into the water as it flows through. These moderate hardness levels appear across many wells in the county.
Wells in Paulding County contain manganese, PFOA, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese exposure can affect the nervous system and brain development, especially in children. PFOA is a chemical linked to health problems including kidney and liver damage and thyroid disease. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater from rocks underground and increases cancer risk when breathed in over time.
The moderately hard water in county wells can leave spots on dishes and fixtures after water dries. You might notice some buildup of scale inside pipes and on faucet screens over time. The good news is that iron and sodium levels in county wells are quite low, so you should not experience orange staining or salty-tasting water.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common countywide. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on test results, treatment options like activated carbon filters or radon removal systems can address specific concerns in your well.
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 ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 30% | Low | High | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 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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