Groundwater in Maverick County contains manganese, nitrate, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should have their water tested and treated, as these contaminants are present at amounts of concern.
These contaminants come from natural rock sources and human activities in the area. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in the rock layers that supply groundwater. Nitrate enters the groundwater from fertilizers used on land and from septic systems, seeping down into the water below.
The water in this county is characterized by low iron, which keeps it relatively clear and free from rust-colored staining. The rock formations here do not contribute high amounts of minerals that would make the water noticeably hard. Most wells across the county show similar low iron levels, though the natural contaminants present require attention through testing and treatment where needed.
Wells in Maverick County have been found to contain arsenic, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Manganese can affect the nervous system and cause issues similar to Parkinson's disease. Nitrate is especially harmful to infants and can reduce the ability of blood to carry oxygen.
Iron levels in county wells are generally low, so you probably won't see the orange or brown staining that comes from high iron. Since the county doesn't show widespread hard water problems, you're unlikely to experience heavy scale buildup on fixtures or reduced water pressure from mineral deposits.
We recommend that you test your well water to find out what's actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals typically costs between $200 and $400 and is the best way to understand what you're dealing with. Testing is the only way to know for sure what needs to be treated, and treatment options like filters or reverse osmosis can address most of 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 36 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 52 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 35 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 80 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | 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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