Groundwater in Kinney County contains radon, sulfate, nitrate, and iron--all at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are notable and warrant attention from well owners.
The rock underneath this county naturally releases radon as radioactive elements inside break down. Nitrate enters from fertilizer use and septic systems in the area. Sulfate and iron dissolve into water as it passes through the rock layers below.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other rock formations underneath. This hardness is widespread across wells throughout the county. The combination of very hard water with elevated sulfate creates the dominant mineral character of water supplies here.
Wells in Kinney County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, nitrate, radon, and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters through groundwater and can increase lung cancer risk when inhaled over time. Nitrate is harmful to infants and can prevent blood from carrying oxygen properly. Iron and sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems and other health concerns.
The very hard water in county wells creates significant quality-of-life challenges. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on fixtures, in pipes, and inside appliances. It makes soap less effective for cleaning and bathing. Over time, very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Your well is unique and may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like water softeners or radon reduction systems can address specific problems once you know what you are dealing with.
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 | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 75 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 55 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 91 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 71 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 82 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 188 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 70 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 82 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 30 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 55 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 73 | — | Moderate | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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