Groundwater in Graham County contains arsenic, radon, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should be aware of these contaminants and test their water to understand what is present in their own supply.
These contaminants come from the rock itself. Arsenic and lead occur naturally in the carbonate rocks and surrounding minerals in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge mountains where Graham County sits. Radon seeps from radioactive elements deep in the rock and enters groundwater as it moves upward. This is a geological issue, not a land-use problem in most cases.
Groundwater in this county is soft, with low levels of calcium and magnesium from the carbonate rock. The water is also low in sodium and sulfate, which keeps it relatively simple in character. These soft-water conditions are typical across wells in the county.
Wells in Graham County have been found to contain arsenic, lead, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk. Lead harms children's brain development and learning, and affects adults' blood pressure and kidney function. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in homes and is a leading cause of lung cancer.
The good news is that Graham County wells are naturally soft with very low sodium and sulfate, so you probably won't see staining, scale buildup, or taste and odor problems from minerals. Your water heater and appliances should not experience the wear that comes with hard water in other areas.
We recommend having your well tested for a comprehensive panel that includes arsenic, lead, bacteria, nitrate, and radon, since multiple contaminants concern this county. Testing costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your well. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Once you know your results, treatment options like activated carbon filters or radon removal systems can address whatever your test shows.
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.
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