Well owners in Llano County should be aware of nitrate, iron, and arsenic in their groundwater. Iron and nitrate levels exceed EPA health standards in this county, so these contaminants warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the local rock and land use. The granite and metamorphic rock that make up this county naturally contain iron and arsenic that dissolve into groundwater over time. Nitrate comes from agricultural activities, septic systems, and fertilizer use that seep down through the soil into the water below.
Groundwater in Llano County is notably high in iron, which comes from the iron-bearing rock that underlies the area. As water moves through this rock, iron dissolves and accumulates in the water supply. Iron is a widespread issue across wells in this county.
Wells in Llano County commonly have iron and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Iron at elevated levels can cause problems with your blood's ability to carry oxygen, especially in infants and pregnant women. Nitrate in drinking water is a concern for infants and young children because it can interfere with how their blood carries oxygen. Arsenic is also found in some county wells and can cause health issues with long-term exposure.
Iron in county well water creates staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry that is hard to remove. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in the water. Iron can clog pipes over time and damage water-using appliances like washing machines and dishwashers by shortening their lifespan.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive testing panel that checks for metals and minerals typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed for your family. Iron removal systems and nitrate filters are available treatment options if your test results show contamination.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 13 | 23% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 56 | 21% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 158 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 15 | — | Moderate | 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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