Groundwater in Ellis County contains radon, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.
These contaminants come from different sources in the county. Radon occurs naturally from radioactive decay in the rock below. Iron and manganese leach from the rock as water moves underground. Nitrate seeps down from fertilizer use and septic systems. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some groundwater. Fluoride can enter water from natural sources in the rock.
Ellis County's groundwater is soft with very high sodium levels. Sodium dissolves easily into water as it sits in contact with the rock underground. The rock here naturally contains these minerals, and wells across the county commonly show elevated sodium. The moderate iron levels are also widespread, though each well varies depending on depth and local geology.
Wells in Ellis County commonly exceed EPA health standards for fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, and radon. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect tooth and bone development. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Manganese can impact nervous system function with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that accumulate in your body over time and have been linked to health effects including kidney and liver damage.
The very high sodium levels in county well water are a significant concern for people managing salt intake for heart health or high blood pressure. While wells in Ellis County are relatively soft, the elevated iron and manganese can cause orange or brown staining on clothes, dishes, and plumbing fixtures. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water. The high sodium content can also affect how the water tastes and feels.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. 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 what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400 and can guide decisions about treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or targeted filters for specific contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 483 | 19% | High | High | |
| Iron | 324 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 40 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 261 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 92 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 92 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 97 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 93 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 92 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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