Groundwater in Lamar County contains iron, manganese, fluoride, and arsenic. These contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.
The rock layers beneath Lamar County naturally contain these metals and minerals. Iron and manganese come from the rock itself as water moves slowly through the ground. Fluoride and arsenic occur naturally in the bedrock in this region. These contaminants are not from pollution or human activity but from the geology underneath.
Groundwater in this county is characterized by elevated iron and manganese from the rock layers below. These metals dissolve into water as it passes through the ground over many years. Most wells in Lamar County show these mineral characteristics.
Wells in Lamar County have been found to contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Fluoride at high levels can cause dental and bone problems. Iron and manganese in drinking water can affect the nervous system and organ function over time.
Iron and manganese in county well water create staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or look discolored. These minerals can build up in pipes and reduce water flow through your home over time.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants are found in this county--testing typically costs $200 to $400. 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 you can treat it properly. Iron and manganese removal systems or whole-house filters can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 43 | 26% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 34 | 18% | Moderate | High | |
| Fluoride | 96 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 25 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | 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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