Groundwater in Tattnall County contains arsenic, chloride, and bacteria from natural and human sources. The good news is that these contaminants are present at levels below EPA health standards, so they are not a health concern at this time.
These contaminants arrive in the shallow groundwater through natural weathering of rock and soil, and through saltwater that moves inland from the coast. The sandy and loose materials that make up the surficial aquifer here allow water to move through quickly, which can carry these substances down from the surface.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the sandy layers underground. These minerals are common in shallow groundwater across Tattnall County and its neighboring areas.
Wells in Tattnall County show no contaminants exceeding EPA health standards, which is good news. However, testing has found arsenic, chloride, and E. coli bacteria present in some county wells. Arsenic exposure over time can cause serious health problems including skin damage and increased cancer risk. E. coli bacteria indicate contamination and can cause severe stomach illness and other infections.
The water in this county is moderately hard, which creates practical problems in your home. Hard water leaves spots on dishes and glasses, builds up scale inside pipes and appliances, and can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice reduced water pressure as scale accumulates over time. The mineral content also affects how soap works and can leave residue on skin and hair.
Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels of these concerns than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive water test that checks for bacteria, metals, and minerals. Treatment options like chlorination for bacteria and iron removal systems can address multiple issues at once.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | 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 →Loading recent water news…