Arsenic, chloride, and E. coli are present in Page County's groundwater. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
Arsenic occurs naturally in the rock underneath the Valley and Ridge region. Chloride and E. coli can enter groundwater from road salt and animal or septic waste, but low levels here suggest that the local geology and distance from major pollution sources keep contamination minimal.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock layers below. These minerals dissolve into water as it moves through the bedrock. Hard water is common across wells in Page County.
No analytes exceed EPA health standards in wells across Page County, but arsenic, chloride, and bacteria are contaminants of concern that show up in some wells here. Arsenic can build up in your body over time and increase the risk of cancer and other serious health problems. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with certain health conditions. Bacteria like E. coli can cause serious illness, especially in young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.
Wells in this county tend to be hard, which means you might see white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads or notice it inside pipes and appliances. Hard water can make soap less effective and may leave spots on dishes and glassware. Over time, mineral buildup can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The good news is that sodium levels are low, so you won't have salty-tasting water.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what's actually in it, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. A basic screening for bacteria and nitrate costs around fifty to one hundred dollars, while a comprehensive metals panel runs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed, and options like chlorination or water softening can address specific problems once you know what you're dealing with.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Iron | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Arsenic | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Chloride | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Manganese | 13 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 18 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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