Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS chemicals including HFPO-DA, PFBS, and PFHXS, are present in Macon County groundwater. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
PFAS chemicals enter groundwater through industrial discharge, manufacturing sites, and historical land uses rather than through the rock itself. These human-made compounds persist in water and move through soil layers over time. The carbonate rock beneath this county does not produce these contaminants naturally.
Groundwater in this county is hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and carbonate rock below. Water moving through these rock layers dissolves minerals and carries them into wells. Hard water is the typical mineral character across most wells in Macon County.
Testing is the best way to know what is in your well. Wells in Macon County do not show analytes exceeding EPA health standards in the county data. However, some wells in this county have tested positive for PFOA, PFBS, and PFHX -- chemicals called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly in the environment and in the body. These chemicals can build up over time and may affect the liver, thyroid, and immune system with long-term exposure.
The mineral content in wells across this county varies. Without knowing your well's specific mineral levels, we cannot predict whether you will see staining, scale, taste issues, or odors in your water. Every well in this area is different based on where it draws water from underground.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in it. Your well may have different levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed. A comprehensive panel checking for bacteria, nitrate, metals, and these special chemicals typically costs between $200 and $400 and will give you a complete picture of your water.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | 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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