Well Water in Craig County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Craig County contains radon, arsenic, and chloride. Radon is the main concern and exceeds EPA health standards in some wells, while arsenic and chloride are detected at low levels.

Radon enters groundwater naturally as it decays from uranium in the surrounding rock. The carbonate rock beneath Craig County contains small amounts of uranium, which slowly breaks down and releases radon gas into the water underground. Arsenic and chloride occur at low levels from the natural minerals in the limestone and shale layers here.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with low levels of iron and sulfate that come from the carbonate rock aquifers. The limestone and other carbonate layers dissolve slowly in water, but not enough to add significant amounts of hardness-causing minerals. Most wells in Craig County show these same soft-water characteristics with low mineral content.

Radon is a radioactive gas that shows up in wells across Craig County at levels above EPA health standards. Radon enters your body when you breathe it in from the water, especially during hot showers and baths. Over many years, exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer. Testing your well is the only way to know if radon is present in your specific water.

The good news is that wells in Craig County tend to have soft water with very low iron, sodium, and sulfate. This means you probably won't see red staining, scale buildup on fixtures, or salty or metallic tastes. Your water heater and dishwasher should not wear out faster than normal due to hardness.

We recommend testing your well for radon and other contaminants like arsenic and chloride, since these show up in county wells. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A basic radon and bacteria test runs about fifty to one hundred dollars, while a comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs two to four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know exactly what you have so you can treat it properly. Radon can be removed with aeration systems or activated carbon filters designed for radon.