Groundwater in Nacogdoches County contains fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant concentrations are concerning and warrant attention from well owners.
The rock beneath Nacogdoches County naturally contains iron and manganese that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the soil and rock layers. Fluoride and lead also occur naturally in the local geology, though lead can enter wells from corroded pipes and fittings in older systems. The coastal uplands rock structure here is prone to releasing these elements into the water supply.
Groundwater in this county is soft with elevated sodium and moderate iron as its defining characteristics. The soft water reflects low calcium and magnesium in the Texas coastal uplands rock, while sodium accumulates as water passes through certain layers. The moderate iron and high sodium appear in many wells across the county, though individual wells vary in concentration.
Fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Nacogdoches County. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage developing teeth in children and may affect bone health over time. Lead is toxic and can harm children's brain development and learning, even at low doses. Manganese exposure can affect the nervous system and cause problems with movement and memory. Iron and manganese together can also impact children's development and overall health.
County wells tend to have high sodium, which can make water taste salty and unpleasant. The moderate iron in well water here can cause orange or brown staining on clothes, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. You may notice a metallic or rotten egg taste or odor from the iron and other minerals. These stains can be difficult to remove and build up over time on surfaces and inside pipes.
Your well is unique, and your water may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. Iron filters and water softeners can help remove these contaminants and improve your water quality.
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 | 456 | 38% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 347 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 170 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 481 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 170 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 42 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 24 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | Low | 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.
Loading recent water news…