Groundwater in Kenedy County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed federal health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment.
Kenedy County sits in a coastal area where saltwater and minerals naturally concentrate in the underground layers. The rock and soil here naturally contain high levels of salt and sulfate, which seep into groundwater. Additional salt enters from the ocean nearby and from past human activities like oil and gas work. Iron and manganese come from the rock itself as water passes through it over time.
Groundwater in this county is notably salty and high in sulfate and iron. Coastal geology naturally pushes salt minerals into the water, and the local rock releases iron as groundwater flows through it. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county because of how the underground layers are made and where the county sits.
Wells in Kenedy County show arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a serious concern because it can damage organs and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Manganese can affect the nervous system, especially in children. Iron and chloride at high levels also pose health risks to your family over time.
The high salt and sulfate levels in county well water create everyday problems. Your water may taste salty or bitter. You might see rust stains on fixtures and laundry. The high mineral content can build scale inside pipes and appliances, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Rotten egg odors from sulfate are also common in this area.
We recommend getting your well tested with a comprehensive panel since multiple health concerns are present in county wells. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common here--testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can remove arsenic and reduce salt levels.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 77 | 83% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 66 | 61% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 115 | 35% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 50 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 51 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 181 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 50 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 24 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 71 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 77 | — | Moderate | 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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