Groundwater in Lamar County contains iron, manganese, fluoride, and arsenic. Several of these contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These metals and fluoride come from the rock layers beneath the county. As water moves slowly through the ground, it dissolves these elements naturally from the surrounding stone. Arsenic enters groundwater the same way--it is present in the local bedrock and leaches into water over time.
Water in this county carries elevated iron and manganese from the rocks below. The local geology releases these metals into groundwater as water passes through. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout the county, though individual wells vary in their specific concentrations.
Wells in Lamar County can contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and fluoride are the main health concerns--long-term exposure to elevated levels of either can affect bone health, dental development in children, and increase cancer risk. Iron and manganese at high levels can also pose health risks over time, though the main problems people notice are usually cosmetic and related to taste and staining.
Iron and manganese in county well water create visible problems around the home. You may see rust-colored or brown stains on laundry, fixtures, and surfaces. The water can taste metallic or leave buildup inside pipes and appliances. These mineral deposits can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over the years.
Testing your well is the best way to find out what is actually in your water, since every well in the county is different. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all four contaminants--this typically costs $200-400 and gives you the information you need to treat your water properly. Iron and manganese can be removed with filtration systems, while arsenic and fluoride require more specialized treatment.
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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