Groundwater in Heard County contains arsenic, chloride, and fluoride, but none of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards in the wells tested. Contamination levels in this county are low across all measured analytes.
These contaminants come from the crystalline rock below the surface. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the granite and similar hard rock that makes up the Piedmont and Blue Ridge mountains in this region. Chloride also appears naturally in these rocks, though it can increase where road salt or other human activities affect shallow groundwater. The hard rock aquifers here do not trap contaminants the way softer rock layers do, so pollution does not concentrate easily.
Groundwater in Heard County is soft, with very low iron, sodium, and sulfate. The crystalline rocks beneath this area do not dissolve easily into water the way limestone does, so fewer minerals build up in the groundwater. Most wells in this county have similarly clean, low-mineral water that reflects the geology of the hard rock aquifer system.
Good news--wells in Heard County do not show contamination at levels that exceed EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and fluoride are contaminants of concern that show up in county well water at lower levels. Arsenic exposure over time can increase cancer risk and cause skin problems. Chloride and fluoride at elevated levels can affect kidney and bone health with long-term exposure.
The mineral content in county wells is generally favorable. Iron and sodium levels are low, so you are unlikely to see rust stains, metallic taste, or the salty flavor that comes with high sodium. The soft water means your water heater and appliances should not build up scale or wear out faster than normal.
We recommend testing your well to see what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals runs between $200 and $400 and will give you a complete picture. Testing is the only way to know if treatment like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis makes sense for your home.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | 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.
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