Groundwater in Graham County contains radon, arsenic, and chloride. Radon is present at levels exceeding EPA health standards, while arsenic and chloride are detected but at lower concentrations that do not exceed drinking water limits.
Radon comes from radioactive minerals naturally present in the carbonate rocks and other stone layers beneath the county. Arsenic and chloride also occur naturally in the rock and can dissolve into water as it moves underground. The source of these contaminants is the geology itself rather than pollution from human activity on the land.
The water in this county is soft, with very low levels of calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rocks above. Because the groundwater moves quickly through carbonate material, it does not pick up large amounts of minerals that would make it hard. Most wells in Graham County show this soft water character, making mineral content a minor concern for well owners here.
Radon is the main health concern in wells across Graham County. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and can build up in your home. Breathing radon over many years increases the risk of lung cancer. Arsenic and chloride are also found in some county wells and can cause health problems with long-term exposure.
The good news is that water in this county is soft, which means you won't deal with scale buildup in pipes and appliances or staining on sinks and fixtures. Your water heater and dishwasher should last a normal lifespan. You also won't experience the unpleasant tastes or odors that come with hard, salty, or iron-heavy water.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than average for the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for radon, arsenic, and other contaminants, which runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. If testing finds radon or arsenic, you can install ventilation systems or filtration to reduce these contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…