Groundwater in Franklin County contains manganese, iron, PFOS, PFOA, nitrate, radon, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and are present at concerning levels.
The limestone and carbonate rock beneath Franklin County naturally releases iron and manganese as groundwater dissolves minerals. Radon forms from radioactive elements trapped in the bedrock. PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater through industrial or land-use sources, while nitrate comes from fertilizer and septic systems in the valley and ridge terrain where wells draw water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock below, and carries notably high iron. The carbonate bedrock readily dissolves these minerals as water moves through fractures and cracks. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Franklin County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Nitrate can harm infants and certain adults by reducing oxygen in the blood. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that build up in your body over time and may affect your immune system and liver. Iron and manganese can cause digestive problems in some people.
Wells in this county have very hard water, which means white crusty scale builds up quickly on pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. High iron causes orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are difficult to remove. Over time, this extreme hardness and iron can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Since multiple contaminants exceed standards here, a comprehensive metals and radon panel is recommended. Testing typically costs $200-400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. Aeration systems and activated carbon filters can help 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 184 | 72% | High | High | |
| Iron | 179 | 44% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 172 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Radon | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 125 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 172 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Sulfate | 177 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 161 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 178 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 170 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 166 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 151 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 115 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 48 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 260 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 166 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 113 | — | High | 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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