Well Water in Fulton County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Fulton County contains radon, iron, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations that require your attention.

The limestone bedrock beneath Fulton County naturally releases radon, iron, and arsenic as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fractures in the rock. Radon forms from radioactive elements trapped inside the limestone; iron dissolves from minerals locked in the stone; and arsenic occurs naturally in certain layers of the bedrock. These contaminants concentrate in your groundwater because of how long water sits in contact with these rocks underground.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone that surrounds your well. The carbonate rock dissolves slowly, releasing these minerals into the water as it passes through. Moderate iron and moderate hardness show up across many wells throughout the county.

Arsenic, PFOA, PFOS, and radon are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells throughout Fulton County. Arsenic is a poison that harms your organs and increases cancer risk over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can affect your immune system and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs when you breathe steam from showers and can increase your risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure.

Wells in this county have moderately hard water, which leaves white crusty buildup on pipes and fixtures. Iron at moderate levels causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste in your water.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in county wells. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars, and treatment options like aeration systems combined with iron filters can address multiple concerns.