Well Water in Hidalgo County: What to Test and Why

Well owners in Hidalgo County should be aware of arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, uranium, and PFOA and PFOS in their groundwater. These contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should have their water tested and consider treatment options.

These contaminants come from the rock and soil layers beneath the coastal lowlands where this county sits. The sandy and clay layers that hold water here naturally contain uranium, arsenic, and manganese from their minerals. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have leaked into groundwater from industrial and consumer product use over time.

Groundwater in this county is notable for elevated iron and manganese, which come from the sediments that make up the coastal aquifer system. These minerals dissolve into water as it passes through sand and clay layers. Iron and manganese are found at moderate to elevated levels across many wells in the county, making them a common feature of water from this area.

Wells in Hidalgo County have been found to contain arsenic, fluoride, uranium, and PFOA and PFOS compounds at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can damage the nervous system and increase cancer risk. Uranium and fluoride at elevated levels can harm bones and kidneys with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to liver damage and immune system problems.

Iron and manganese in county wells create staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry that is hard to remove. These minerals can give water a metallic taste and cause discoloration. The moderate iron levels here can leave rust-colored marks on plumbing fixtures and clothing.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed for your situation. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can address many of these concerns.