Franklin County's groundwater contains iron, arsenic, and PFOS that well owners should know about. Iron and PFOS exceed EPA health standards at levels that warrant attention, while arsenic is also present in the water.
The crystalline rock beneath Franklin County naturally breaks down and releases iron into groundwater as water passes through. PFOS is a human-made chemical that enters groundwater from industrial and commercial activities, landfills, and firefighting foam used at airports or military sites. Arsenic occurs naturally in the rock and soil in this region.
Groundwater in Franklin County is soft and carries moderate iron from the crystalline bedrock. The acidic water moving through granite and similar rocks dissolves iron minerals over time, concentrating it in wells across the county. Iron elevation shows up in many wells here, making it a common feature of Franklin County water.
Wells in Franklin County show elevated iron and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Iron in drinking water can affect the kidneys and heart over time. PFOS is a human-made chemical linked to liver problems, immune system effects, and developmental issues in children.
The moderate iron levels in county wells can cause rust-colored staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes that is difficult to remove. Water may have a metallic taste or smell. The good news is that Franklin County's water is soft, so you won't experience the scale buildup and appliance damage that comes with very hard water.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly if needed. This type of testing typically costs between $200 and $400. Iron removal filters and activated carbon systems can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 14 | 21% | Low | High | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 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 ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 14 | — | 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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