Radon and arsenic are present in Habersham County groundwater and well owners should be aware of both. Both contaminants exceed EPA health standards in this county, making them a concern.
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of radioactive elements in the crystalline bedrock that makes up the foundation of this region. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the same rock and can dissolve into groundwater as it moves through cracks and fractures in the stone.
Groundwater in this county is soft with low levels of iron, sodium, and sulfate. The crystalline rock here does not contain minerals like calcium and magnesium that would make water hard or create mineral buildup. These soft-water characteristics are typical across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Habersham County contain arsenic and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs over time and raise the risk of certain diseases with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater from rock and soil and increases the risk of lung cancer when people breathe it in.
The good news is that wells in this county have low iron, low sodium, and soft water. Your water should taste clean and not leave stains or buildup on fixtures and dishes. Soft water is easier on appliances and plumbing.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive panel that tests for metals and radon, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment systems like radon aeration and arsenic removal filters can address these concerns once you know your results.
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 ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 22 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | 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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