Well owners in Telfair County should know that iron, arsenic, and chloride are present in the county's groundwater. Iron exceeds EPA health standards at moderate levels, while arsenic and chloride are detected but remain below those thresholds.
Iron enters groundwater naturally as water seeps through the sandy and gravelly materials that make up the shallow aquifer in this area. These loose rock layers contain iron-bearing minerals that dissolve into water moving underground. Arsenic and chloride also occur naturally in these deposits and in deeper geological layers.
Groundwater in Telfair County is moderately hard, primarily driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that the water picks up from limestone and other rock layers below. The shallow aquifer's composition concentrates these minerals as water moves through it. Moderate hardness is widespread across wells in the county.
Iron is showing up at levels that exceed EPA drinking water standards in wells across Telfair County. When iron concentrations get too high, it can damage your organs over time and cause serious health problems. Children and people with existing health conditions are at extra risk from elevated iron exposure.
Wells in this county have moderately hard water, which means you will probably see reddish or brownish staining on your fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Scale buildup inside pipes and appliances is common. Your water may have a metallic taste or smell. This moderate hardness can shorten the lifespan of your water heater and dishwasher.
Every well is different, and your well's water quality may be higher or lower 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, which usually costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal systems can help address elevated iron 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Arsenic | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | 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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