Groundwater in Crawford County contains arsenic, chloride, and fluoride. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
These contaminants occur naturally in the crystalline rock that underlies Crawford County. Water moving through cracks and fractures in the rock picks up small amounts of these elements over time. The soft geology of the area and low mineral content keep contamination from building up to dangerous levels.
Groundwater in Crawford County is soft, with very low calcium and magnesium. The hard crystalline rock beneath the county does not naturally contribute minerals that make water hard. This soft-water character is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Crawford County contain arsenic, chloride, and fluoride at levels that concern health officials. Arsenic can damage your organs and increase cancer risk over time. Chloride and fluoride at elevated levels can affect your kidneys and bones with long-term exposure.
The good water news is that wells in this county tend to be soft, so you will not see heavy staining, scale buildup, or taste problems from minerals. Your water heater and dishwasher should wear normally without mineral damage.
Because arsenic, chloride, and fluoride show up in county groundwater, we recommend testing your well. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel will tell you exactly what treatment your well needs--filtration and ion exchange systems can address these contaminants.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | 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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