Groundwater in Richmond County contains three notable contaminants: PFOS, iron, and PFOA. Iron and PFOA exceed EPA health standards, while PFOS also reaches concerning levels that warrant attention.
PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater through industrial activity, contaminated sites, and disposal areas. Iron dissolves naturally from minerals in the sand and clay layers that make up this region's aquifer system. Both sources--industrial releases and natural geology--contribute to the contamination pattern seen across Richmond County wells.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron as the main mineral characteristic. The sandy and clay aquifer here naturally contains iron-bearing minerals that dissolve into water as it moves underground. These conditions are widespread across wells in the county, though iron concentrations vary from well to well.
Wells in Richmond County commonly have iron, PFOA, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron at elevated levels can affect the blood and organs over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that build up in your body and have been linked to health problems including immune system effects, liver damage, and certain cancers. Because your well is different from others in the county, testing is the only way to know if these contaminants are actually in your water.
The moderate iron in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life problems. You might see rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Water may have a metallic taste or smell. The county's water is naturally soft, so you won't deal with heavy scale buildup on appliances.
We recommend a comprehensive water panel that tests for metals and the PFOA and PFOS chemicals. Your well may have lower or higher levels than what is common in the county--testing is the only way to know what treatment your specific water needs. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on results, treatment options include activated carbon filters for PFOA and PFOS, and iron removal systems.
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 | 23 | 57% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 13 | 23% | Low | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 23 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Manganese | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 15 | — | Moderate | 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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