Groundwater in Martin County contains arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, radon, uranium, and other contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. These levels are serious enough to require attention from well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. The High Plains aquifer sits in sandy and gravelly ground mixed with minerals that naturally release arsenic, uranium, and fluoride into water. Nitrate enters from agricultural activities and septic systems that seep down through the soil. Chloride and sulfate build up in the water because they concentrate as groundwater moves slowly through these mineral-rich layers.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium, along with high sodium and sulfate. These minerals dissolve from the rock as water passes through it over time. The combination of very hard water and high mineral content is widespread across wells throughout Martin County.
Wells in Martin County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, sulfate, and uranium. Arsenic and uranium can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at high levels can harm tooth enamel in children. Nitrate is dangerous for infants and can affect oxygen in the blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over years.
The mineral content in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life problems. Iron leaves rust-colored stains on fixtures, laundry, and skin. High sulfate creates a bitter or metallic taste and rotten-egg odor. Sodium gives water a salty taste. The very hard water leaves white scale buildup in pipes and appliances, and it shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap becomes less effective for cleaning.
Every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters, water softeners, and specialized iron removal systems can address multiple concerns at once.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 161 | 65% | High | High | |
| Fluoride | 222 | 44% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 57 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 5 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 5 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 5 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 37 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 125 | 18% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 102 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 97 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 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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