Arsenic, chloride, and E. coli are the contaminants detected in Tattnall County groundwater that well owners should know about. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
These contaminants come from natural sources and human activities in the shallow soil and sand layers. Arsenic occurs naturally in the sand and clay beneath the county. Chloride enters through road salt and septic systems. E. coli bacteria seep down from surface soil when wells are poorly sealed or located too close to animal waste or failing septic tanks.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up as water moves through the sand and clay layers. This moderate hardness is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Tattnall County do not exceed EPA health standards for any contaminants right now. However, arsenic, chloride, and E. coli have been found in some county wells at levels worth watching. Arsenic can harm organs over time and increase cancer risk. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart or kidney problems. E. coli is bacteria that causes serious stomach illness.
County wells have moderate hardness, which means you might notice some buildup on faucets and shower heads over time. Scale can form inside pipes and reduce water pressure. Hard water also makes soap less effective for cleaning. While the hardness here is not extreme, it can slowly shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over many years.
Every well is different, and your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in 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 metals and minerals panel that checks for arsenic, bacteria, and other concerns--these panels usually cost $200 to $400. Water softeners can address hardness, and filters or boiling can reduce bacterial risks.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Safe | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 8 | — | 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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