Well Water in Franklin County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Franklin County contains iron, arsenic, and PFOS that well owners should know about. Arsenic, iron, lead, PFOS, and radon all exceed EPA health standards in some wells, making these contaminants a real concern for private well users here.

These contaminants come from the county's crystalline bedrock and the way water moves through it. Iron and arsenic dissolve naturally from the rock minerals as groundwater sits underground for years. PFOS and other industrial chemicals can seep into wells from past or current land use like military bases, airports, or manufacturing sites.

Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, which comes from minerals in the crystalline rock below. As water filters slowly through these rocks, it picks up iron naturally. Many wells across the county show elevated iron levels, though the amount varies from well to well.

Wells in Franklin County have been found to contain arsenic, lead, radon, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Lead harms brain development in children and can affect learning and behavior. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. PFOS is a chemical that can affect the immune system and liver function.

The high iron levels common in county wells cause orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or reddish discoloration when you run the tap. These stains are hard to clean and can build up on fixtures over time.

We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than average for the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what you are dealing with so you can treat it properly. A full metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants.