Iron, arsenic, and chloride are present in Crawford County's groundwater. Iron levels exceed EPA health standards at moderate concentrations, while arsenic and chloride remain at low levels of concern.
These contaminants come from the Marshall aquifer rock formation itself. As groundwater moves slowly through the sandstone and other rock layers beneath the county, iron dissolves naturally from minerals locked in the stone. Arsenic also occurs naturally in certain spots within the rock, and chloride can enter from road salt applied during winter.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The slow movement of water through the dense rock layers allows minerals to accumulate in the water. Hard water is common across wells in Crawford County.
Iron exceeds EPA health standards in wells throughout Crawford County. Long-term exposure to elevated iron can harm your organs over time. While iron itself is not immediately poisonous, the health risks build slowly from continuous exposure.
Wells in this county commonly show moderate iron levels that cause orange or reddish-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Your water may taste metallic or unpleasant. Iron buildup can also clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what you actually have. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower iron levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is in your water so it can be properly treated. A basic health screen costs around $50 to $100. An iron filtration system can remove iron and improve water quality.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 6 | — | 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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