Crane County well water contains nitrate, uranium, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards, along with elevated iron, manganese, and fluoride. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning for drinking water.
Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizer applied to land and from natural breakdown of organic matter in the soil. Uranium and arsenic occur naturally in the rock and sediment that make up the aquifer in this region. Iron and manganese also dissolve from minerals in the underground gravel and sand layers as water moves through them.
Groundwater in this county shows moderate iron content. Iron concentrations in the rock layers release this mineral into water as it passes through. Many wells across Crane County contain measurable iron.
Wells in Crane County can contain arsenic, fluoride, uranium, nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are metals that can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone and tooth development, especially in children. Nitrate is dangerous for babies under six months and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Manganese can affect the nervous system with prolonged exposure.
County well water contains moderate iron levels that can leave rusty stains on fixtures, clothes, and skin. Iron can create a metallic taste and odor in your water. These minerals can also build up inside pipes and reduce how long water heaters and dishwashers last.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Reverse osmosis filters or activated carbon systems can address several of these concerns once you know your specific results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 6 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 12 | 42% | Low | High | |
| Arsenic | 45 | 24% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 47 | 15% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 120 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 45 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 45 | 0% | Moderate | 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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