Groundwater in Bowie County contains iron, manganese, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are high enough to warrant attention from well owners in the area.
These metals come from the rock layers underground in this region. Iron and manganese naturally dissolve into groundwater as water moves through certain rock types, and fluoride occurs naturally in the same geological formations. The combination of these elements in the local rocks creates conditions where all three are released into the water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by dissolved minerals including elevated sodium and high calcium and magnesium from the rock below. Hard water forms here because water percolating through the underground rocks dissolves these minerals over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Bowie County.
Wells in Bowie County commonly have fluoride, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at high levels can cause dental fluorosis, which damages tooth enamel and creates white spots or streaks on teeth. Iron and manganese can affect the nervous system, especially in young children and infants, and may cause developmental problems with repeated exposure over time.
County well water is very hard, which means mineral buildup is common in pipes and appliances. This scale can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice rust-colored or brown staining on fixtures and laundry. The water can taste or smell metallic from the iron and manganese present.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to see what is actually in your water, since every well is different and your levels could be higher or lower than the county average. Testing is the only way to know for certain what needs treatment in your specific well. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like water softeners and iron filters can address multiple concerns at once.
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 | 57 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 38 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 213 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 41 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| 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.
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