Groundwater in Fannin County contains radon, iron, manganese, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at moderate to very high concentrations and warrant attention from well owners.
These contaminants come from the rocks beneath the county. Radon seeps from natural decay of radioactive minerals in the earth. Iron and manganese dissolve into groundwater as it moves slowly through rock layers underground. Fluoride occurs naturally in the local rock formations.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in sodium and sulfate, which are the dominant dissolved minerals. These elements concentrate in the water because they dissolve easily as water passes through the surrounding rock. Water softness here is low, meaning calcium and magnesium are not the main mineral contributors. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Fannin County sometimes contain fluoride, iron, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at high levels can cause dental fluorosis, which appears as white spots or streaks on teeth, especially in children whose teeth are still developing. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when breathed in over many years. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect the blood and nervous system with long-term exposure.
The high sodium content in county well water is the main quality-of-life concern here. Sodium gives water a salty taste that many people notice right away. Very high sodium can be a problem for people on restricted diets, especially those with high blood pressure or heart conditions. The moderate iron and sulfate levels may cause reddish or brownish staining on fixtures, laundry, and plumbing, along with a metallic or rotten-egg taste.
We recommend testing your well water since every well is different and yours could have much higher or much lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and will tell you exactly what you are dealing with. Water softeners can help with sodium concerns, and aeration or filtration systems address iron and radon.
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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