Groundwater in Paulding County contains radon, manganese, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards and require attention. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant action.
Radon comes from natural radioactive decay in the crystalline rock that makes up the Piedmont and Blue Ridge bedrock beneath the county. Manganese also occurs naturally in this same rock type and leaches into groundwater as it moves through cracks and fractures. PFOA is a human-made chemical that enters groundwater through contamination from industrial sites, landfills, or other land-based sources.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium released from the crystalline rock as water passes through it over time. The rock composition in this area naturally produces moderate hardness, and wells throughout Paulding County show this same pattern.
Wells in Paulding County contain three contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Manganese can affect the nervous system, especially in children, and may cause learning and behavior problems with long-term exposure. PFOA is a chemical linked to health concerns including high cholesterol, kidney disease, and thyroid problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over many years.
The moderately hard water in county wells can leave white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures and spots on dishes and glassware. You may notice staining on sinks or shower walls from iron in the water, though iron levels here are low. Hard water also reduces how well soap works, making it harder to clean clothes and skin. Very hard water can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers, though the hardness here is moderate.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Because multiple contaminants exceed health standards here, a comprehensive testing panel that checks metals, minerals, and these specific concerns is recommended. Testing typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters and radon mitigation systems can address these issues once you know your actual water quality.
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 ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 30% | Low | High | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | 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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