Groundwater in Scurry County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are high enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
The rocks beneath Scurry County naturally contain minerals and salts that dissolve into groundwater over time. Salt and sulfate deposits in the subsurface release chloride and sulfate into the water, while arsenic, uranium, and other metals come from the surrounding rock itself. Human activities like oil and gas production and agriculture can also add nitrate and other compounds to the water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with very high levels of sodium and sulfate that dominate the water's mineral content. The underlying rock layers naturally contain these dissolved salts and minerals, which accumulate as water moves slowly through the ground. These characteristics are common across most wells in the county.
Wells in Scurry County can contain arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, and uranium at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are the most serious health concerns because they can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can cause a serious blood condition. Manganese can affect the nervous system in children.
County well water is very hard and contains high levels of sodium and sulfate, which creates real everyday problems. You may notice stubborn staining on fixtures and dishes, crusty buildup inside pipes and appliances, and a salty or bitter taste. The extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. Reddish-brown staining from iron is also common in this area.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels 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. A water softener can help with hardness, and a reverse osmosis system or activated carbon filter can address some contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 13 | 92% | Low | High | |
| Chloride | 31 | 84% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 73 | 34% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 32 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 70 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Uranium | 12 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 61 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 200 | 2% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 13 | — | 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…