Groundwater in Fannin County contains radon, iron, manganese, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to warrant attention from well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. Radon forms naturally as uranium in the bedrock breaks down over time. Iron and manganese dissolve into the water as it moves slowly through the surrounding rock. Fluoride also occurs naturally in the local geology and enters groundwater through the same process.
Groundwater in this county is soft and notably high in sodium and sulfate, which dissolve from the rocks as water passes through them. The soft water and mineral composition reflect the character of the underlying rock in this region. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Fannin County, though individual wells may vary in their exact composition.
Wells in Fannin County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can harm bone health and dental development in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. Manganese can affect how the brain develops and works, especially in young children. High iron levels can cause problems with blood health if consumed repeatedly.
The county's water has very high sodium content, which can taste salty and may be a concern for people watching their salt intake. Iron creates orange or rust-colored staining on sinks, fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You might notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. The water in this county is relatively soft, so scale buildup in pipes and appliances is not typically a major problem.
Your well is unique and could have different contaminant levels than what is common across the county. We recommend testing your water through a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400, to find out exactly what is in your well. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your water actually needs. Depending on results, treatment options like water softeners, filtration systems, or radon removal can help.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 191 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 147 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 262 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 26 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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