Radon, arsenic, and chloride are present in Franklin County's groundwater. Radon levels exceed the EPA health standard and warrant your attention, while arsenic and chloride are detected at levels below health limits.
Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium naturally present in the granite and crystalline bedrock beneath Franklin County. Arsenic also occurs naturally in these ancient rocks. Chloride enters groundwater through weathering of minerals in the bedrock and sometimes through road salt or septic systems near wells.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low iron, sodium, and sulfate levels that reflect the makeup of the crystalline bedrock. The granite here does not dissolve easily like limestone does, so fewer minerals build up in the water. Most wells show this soft water character.
Radon is the main health concern in Franklin County well water and it exceeds EPA health standards in county wells. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks underground. When radon gets into your home through well water, it can increase your risk of lung cancer over time, especially with long-term exposure. This is a serious health issue that deserves your attention.
Good news on the mineral side. Wells in Franklin County have very soft water with low levels of iron, sodium, and sulfate. You should not experience staining, scale buildup, or taste and odor problems from minerals. Your appliances should have a normal lifespan without mineral damage.
We recommend testing your well for radon and other contaminants right away, since radon is confirmed in county wells and every well is different. Your well could have higher or lower radon than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive radon and metals panel runs about $200-400. Radon removal systems and aeration treatment can address this concern effectively.
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 ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 19 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | 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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