Groundwater in Thomas County contains arsenic, chloride, and E. coli bacteria. The good news is that none of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards in this county, so levels remain low.
These contaminants come from natural sources and human activities in shallow groundwater. Arsenic occurs naturally in the sandy and clayey layers of the surficial aquifer. Chloride and bacteria enter from road salt, septic systems, and surface runoff that seeps down through permeable soils in this region.
Groundwater in Thomas County is hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the sandy and clayey sediments. The moderate iron content also adds to the mineral character of the water. Hard water and moderate iron are widespread across wells in this county.
Wells in Thomas County show no contaminants currently exceeding EPA health standards, which is good news. However, arsenic, chloride, and E. coli have been detected in county wells at levels worth monitoring. Arsenic exposure over time can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk. E. coli bacteria can cause serious digestive illness. Chloride at elevated levels raises concerns for people on sodium-restricted diets.
County wells tend to have hard water and moderate iron levels. Hard water leaves scale buildup on faucets, fixtures, and inside pipes and appliances. It reduces how long water heaters and dishwashers last. Iron causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Your water may taste slightly metallic or leave residue in glasses and dishes.
We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is typical in the county. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed for your specific situation. A comprehensive panel checking for bacteria, metals, and minerals usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options like sand filters or water softeners can address these concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 20 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | 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.
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