Well Water in Crawford County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Crawford County contains iron, radon, lead, chloride, and PFOA and PFOS. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels.

The Pennsylvanian bedrock beneath this county naturally releases iron and other metals as acidic groundwater moves through fractures and small spaces in the rock. Lead enters well water where naturally soft groundwater corrodes pipes and fixtures. Radon, a radioactive gas, comes directly from decay of uranium in the bedrock itself. Road salt applied during winter adds chloride to the groundwater. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that reach groundwater from industrial or commercial sources.

Groundwater in this county is characterized by elevated iron, which comes from the dark, mineral-rich Pennsylvanian shale and sandstone layers that hold water. The naturally soft, slightly acidic water dissolves iron minerals easily as it sits in the rock's tight cracks and passages. These mineral characteristics show up across many wells in the county.

Wells in Crawford County commonly contain chloride, iron, lead, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Lead damages brain development in children and can harm kidney function over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to serious health effects with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when it enters homes through water. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with high blood pressure.

Iron in county wells causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry that is hard to remove. The water may taste metallic or leave a slight odor. Scale buildup occurs on pipes and inside water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan. These aesthetic problems are widespread across the county's wells.

We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like water softeners paired with iron filters or radon aeration systems can address multiple concerns.