Well Water in Somervell County: What to Test and Why

Moderate Risk
Testing Recommended 70 well tests on record

Why This Happens Here

Groundwater in Somervell County contains iron, arsenic, and fluoride. Iron is the only contaminant at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards, which is a concern for well owners in this area.

Iron comes from the local rocks beneath the county. As water moves through these rocks underground, it dissolves iron naturally present in the stone. This is a common process in areas like Somervell County where water stays in contact with iron-bearing rock formations.

Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron. The rocks here release iron into the water as it flows through the ground, and this mineral concentration is widespread across many wells in the county. Well owners should expect iron to be a common characteristic of their water.

What This Means for You

Wells in Somervell County show iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron in drinking water can cause health problems over time, especially for young children and people with certain illnesses. Exposure to elevated iron has been linked to issues with how the body uses oxygen and processes nutrients. Testing your well is important to understand what you are dealing with.

Iron in county well water creates visible staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might see orange or brown discoloration on fixtures and clothes. The water can taste metallic or leave a bad smell. These problems get worse over time and can affect how your home looks and feels.

We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know for sure so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive water panel that checks for metals and minerals runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron removal systems and filters can help reduce these problems in your home.

Contaminant Detection Data

Contaminant Samples % Above MCL Distribution Confidence Risk
Iron 37 8%
Moderate Moderate
Arsenic 22 0%
Moderate Safe
Fluoride 68 0%
Moderate Low
Lead 22 0%
Moderate Low
Manganese 38 0%
Moderate Low
Nitrate 13 0%
Low Low
Uranium 3 0%
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.

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