Groundwater in Gilmer County contains radon, arsenic, and chloride. Radon is the main concern, as it exceeds EPA health standards in this area, while arsenic and chloride are detected but at lower levels.
Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium naturally present in the crystalline bedrock beneath the county. The hard granite and similar rocks that make up the Piedmont and Blue Ridge aquifers release radon as they weather and crack over time, allowing the gas to enter groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron as the main mineral character. The crystalline bedrock here does not contain the limestone or minerals that produce hard water, but iron leaches from the rock into the water. Iron at these levels is common across many wells in the county.
Radon is found in wells throughout Gilmer County at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from natural rock and soil. When radon builds up in your home, breathing it over time increases the risk of lung cancer. This is a health concern worth taking seriously, especially for families with children or long-term residents.
The good news is that the mineral content in county wells is generally balanced. Iron levels are moderate, which means you might see some orange or brown staining on fixtures or laundry over time, but it is not severe. Your water is soft, so you will not deal with heavy scale buildup in pipes or on appliances. The overall mineral balance in this county's wells keeps most quality-of-life issues minimal.
We recommend testing your well to see what radon levels and other contaminants are actually present in your water. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower radon than the county average. A comprehensive test that checks for radon, arsenic, and other metals costs around two hundred to four hundred dollars and is the only way to know exactly what you are dealing with. If radon is found, aeration systems or activated carbon filters can help remove it.
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 ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 3 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | 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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