Groundwater in Mason County contains iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at moderate to elevated concentrations that well owners should be aware of.
Iron and manganese come from the rock itself in this part of Texas. As water moves through the ground, it dissolves these metals from the surrounding rock layers. Nitrate often enters groundwater from agricultural activities and septic systems in the area, seeping down from the surface.
Groundwater in Mason County is characterized by moderate iron content, which comes from the local rock minerals that dissolve into water as it flows underground. Manganese is also present in the groundwater from similar natural rock sources. These minerals are common across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Mason County commonly have iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can cause problems in your body over time, especially for infants and young children. Nitrate is a concern for babies under six months old and can affect how blood carries oxygen in their bodies. These issues develop from long-term exposure to contaminated water.
Iron in county wells creates reddish or brownish staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Manganese leaves dark brown or black stains and can make water taste metallic or bitter. Both minerals can build up inside pipes and reduce water pressure over time. You might notice rust-colored water coming from your taps or spots on your dishes after washing.
We recommend testing your well water because every well is different--yours could have much higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and manganese can be removed with filters or oxidation systems installed at your water entry point.
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 | 175 | 15% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 14% | Low | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 80 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 72 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 329 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 72 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low |
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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