Groundwater in Fulton County contains arsenic, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, and radon--all at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and require immediate attention.
The limestone bedrock underlying this Valley and Ridge area naturally contains iron and manganese, which dissolve into groundwater as it moves through cracks in the rock. Radon forms from tiny amounts of uranium trapped in the limestone itself. Nitrate comes from agricultural practices and septic systems in the area, while PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have contaminated some wells, likely from industrial or commercial sources.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven primarily by elevated iron. Iron concentrates in this water because the limestone and surrounding rock contain iron-bearing minerals that release iron as groundwater passes through them. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout Fulton County.
Wells in Fulton County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, nitrate, PFOA, and PFOS are chemicals that can harm your health with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over time. Manganese and iron at high levels can affect how your body works. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your specific well.
The water in this county is moderately hard, which means you will see white crusty buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. High iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. These mineral deposits can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You might also notice an unpleasant taste or odor in your water.
We recommend testing your well right away with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is in your well so it can be properly treated. Treatment options like aeration systems and specialized filters can help 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 16 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 16 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 48 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOA | 48 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 23 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sulfate | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS | 44 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | 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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