Groundwater in Presidio County contains radon, sulfate, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, and manganese. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and understanding your water critical for your family's health.
The rock beneath Presidio County naturally holds these contaminants. Radon comes from radioactive decay in the rock itself. Sulfate, arsenic, chloride, and fluoride dissolve into groundwater as it moves through mineral-rich layers underground. Iron and manganese also come from the surrounding rock. The arid climate means water moves slowly through the ground, giving these minerals extra time to dissolve into the water your well draws.
Your water is moderately hard and carries elevated sodium and sulfate that shape its character. These minerals come from the rock formations that hold the groundwater in this region. These characteristics are widespread across Presidio County wells, though individual wells vary in how much of each mineral they contain.
Presidio County well water shows arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure through drinking water raises the risk of cancer and can harm the nervous system and kidneys over time. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage bone development. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs and increases lung cancer risk. Manganese exposure affects the brain and nervous system, particularly in children.
County wells also contain high sodium levels and moderate hardness. The sodium taste in your water may be noticeable, especially if you are sensitive to salt. The moderate hardness can leave scale buildup on pipes and fixtures, and it shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You might notice staining or buildup around faucets and showerheads.
Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than other wells in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Testing costs between $200 and $400. Reverse osmosis systems, activated carbon filters, and radon removal can address different contaminants depending on your test results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 15 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 144 | 23% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 15 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 272 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 196 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 181 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 144 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 15 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 14 | — | 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.
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