Groundwater in Craig County contains arsenic, chloride, and fecal coliform. Contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards.
The limestone and carbonate rock beneath Craig County naturally hold small amounts of arsenic. Chloride enters from road salt and farming activities. Fecal coliform shows up occasionally where wells are shallow or poorly sealed, allowing surface water to seep down. The local geology and land use keep contamination at manageable levels.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the carbonate rock below. Water moving through limestone picks up these minerals over time. Moderately hard water is common across wells throughout Craig County.
Craig County wells do not currently show contaminants exceeding EPA health standards based on available data. However, arsenic and fecal coliform bacteria are contaminants of concern that have been detected in some county wells. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and harm the skin, heart, and kidneys. Fecal coliform bacteria indicates possible contamination from sewage or animal waste and can cause serious digestive illness.
Wells in Craig County tend to be moderately hard. You may notice some white or chalky buildup on faucets and fixtures, or see scale forming inside pipes and on water heater elements. The hardness here is not extreme, so most people do not experience major problems, but over many years this moderate hardness can reduce the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and arsenic--this typically costs $200 to $400. Depending on test results, treatment options such as a sediment filter or disinfection system can address specific concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | 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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