Well Water in Fulton County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Fulton County contains radon, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough to require attention from well owners.

The carbonate limestone beneath Fulton County naturally contains radioactive elements that decay into radon, which seeps into groundwater. Iron and manganese dissolve from the rock as water moves slowly through it underground. These minerals are common in carbonate bedrock and concentrate in the water over time.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by elevated calcium from the limestone, along with moderate iron and manganese. As water passes through limestone, it picks up these minerals naturally. Hard water with moderate iron and manganese is widespread across wells in the county.

Wells in Fulton County commonly contain iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater from natural decay of uranium in rock. When you breathe radon gas released from water, it can damage your lungs and increase cancer risk. Iron and manganese don't cause immediate illness but can build up in your body over time and affect your health.

County well water shows moderate iron levels that leave orange or brown stains on fixtures, clothing, and plumbing. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. The water here is moderately hard, which means scale buildup in pipes and appliances. This scale can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

Your well could have much higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and radon panel to find out exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. This testing typically costs $200-400. Radon mitigation systems and iron filtration can address these concerns effectively.