Well Water in Fulton County: What to Test and Why

Iron, radon, and lead are present in Fulton County groundwater and exceed EPA health standards. These are moderate to high-severity concerns that warrant testing and potential treatment for your well.

The limestone and shale bedrock beneath the county naturally contains iron minerals and radioactive elements that dissolve into water as it filters down. Lead enters from natural deposits in the rock and can also come from old pipes and fixtures in wells and homes. The slightly acidic character of water moving through this terrain pulls these elements into the water supply.

Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron as the main mineral characteristic. The carbonate rock dissolves calcium and magnesium slowly, leaving the water soft, while iron from shale layers mixed with the limestone adds the iron content. Most wells across the county show this soft-water signature, though iron levels and radon presence vary between individual wells.

Wells in Fulton County exceed EPA health standards for iron, lead, and radon. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Iron at high levels can affect organs over time.

The water in Fulton County wells is soft, so you won't experience scale buildup or hard water staining on your fixtures and appliances. Iron can turn water brown or orange and leave rusty stains on laundry and sinks. You might notice a metallic taste in your water.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel since three contaminants exceed health standards in the county. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what's common here--testing is the only way to know what's actually in your water and how to treat it. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like iron filters and radon removal systems can address these concerns.