Groundwater in Jim Wells County contains radon, chloride, iron, arsenic, fluoride, manganese, and uranium at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
The coastal lowlands where this county sits collect saltwater and minerals from old ocean deposits underground. As rainfall filters down through the soil and rock, it dissolves these natural salts and picks up radon gas from the surrounding geology. Human activities like oil and gas production in the area can also push salty water deeper into drinking water zones.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with very high sodium and moderate iron from the coastal rock layers below. The sandy and clay layers here naturally contain these minerals and allow salty groundwater to move upward into wells. These characteristics show up in most wells across the county because of how the coastal geology is layered.
Wells in Jim Wells County commonly contain arsenic, uranium, radon, fluoride, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are linked to cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in. Fluoride and manganese at elevated levels can affect bone and brain health, especially in children.
The water in this county is extremely hard and very high in sodium, which creates several everyday problems. Hard water leaves scale buildup on fixtures, inside pipes, and on dishes. It shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. The high sodium makes the water taste salty and can be a concern for people on salt-restricted diets.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to see what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems for multiple contaminants or water softeners for the hardness and sodium issues.
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 ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 9 | 89% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 83 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Uranium | 14 | 7% | Low | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 45 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 45 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 232 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 9 | — | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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