Arsenic, chloride, and fluoride are present in groundwater across Upson County. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
The hard crystalline rock beneath Upson County naturally contains small amounts of these elements. As water moves through cracks and fractures in the rock over long periods, it dissolves trace amounts of arsenic, chloride, and fluoride. The same rock type covers all the neighboring counties in this region, so this pattern is common across the area.
Groundwater in this county is soft with low levels of iron and other minerals. The crystalline rock here does not release large amounts of dissolved minerals into the water the way limestone or shale would. Most wells in Upson County have this same soft water character.
Wells in Upson County generally do not exceed EPA health standards for the main contaminants tested. However, arsenic, chloride, and fluoride are contaminants of concern found in county well water. Arsenic can harm your organs and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride and fluoride at elevated levels can also affect your health over time.
The good news is that wells in this county tend to have very soft water with low iron and sodium. This means you probably will not see rust stains, scale buildup, or salty taste in your water. Your appliances should not suffer from the damage that hard water causes. Water from these wells is generally clean-tasting and odor-free.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels of arsenic, chloride, or fluoride than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know for sure. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and will give you a complete picture of your water quality. If testing shows elevated levels, filters or other treatment systems can remove these contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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