Groundwater in Cooke County contains iron, manganese, and arsenic. Iron and manganese are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners need to address these contaminants.
Iron and manganese come from the rock layers underground in this area. As water moves through the soil and rock, it dissolves these metals naturally. This is a common process in counties across north-central Texas with similar geology.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in sodium, which is the main mineral character of the water here. Sodium concentrates in the groundwater as water percolates through the local rock layers over time. These sodium levels are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Cooke County commonly have iron and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Iron can cause problems with your blood's ability to carry oxygen, while manganese exposure can affect your nervous system and brain development, which is especially concerning for children and pregnant women. Both metals build up in your body over time with long-term drinking water exposure.
The high sodium levels in county wells can affect people watching their salt intake, especially those with high blood pressure or heart conditions. Iron in the water leaves orange or brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water or experience staining in your toilet tank.
We recommend getting your well tested for a comprehensive metals panel, since multiple contaminants are present in county waters. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive test typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and manganese can be removed through oxidation filters or water softeners designed for these metals.
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 | 119 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 83 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 204 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 56 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 30 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | 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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