Arsenic, chloride, and fluoride are present in Heard County groundwater. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
These three elements come from the crystalline rock that underlies the county. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the bedrock minerals, while chloride can seep in from road salt and other surface sources. The hard, dense nature of this rock limits how much contamination moves through it, keeping overall levels down.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low iron, sodium, and sulfate. The crystalline bedrock does not contain abundant minerals that dissolve easily into water. This combination of soft water and low mineral content is typical across wells in Heard County.
Wells in Heard County are not showing contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and fluoride are present in county groundwater at lower levels. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride and fluoride at elevated levels can affect health over time, though county wells show these at reduced concentrations.
The good news about Heard County water is that mineral levels are quite low. Iron, sodium, sulfate, and hardness are all at soft to very low levels in county wells. You should not see staining, scale buildup, or taste and odor problems from minerals. Your appliances like water heaters and dishwashers should not experience premature wear from hard water.
Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals plus bacteria and nitrate, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can address specific contaminants found in your water.
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 ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| 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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