Well Water in Starr County: What to Test and Why

Arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and uranium are present in Starr County groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require your attention.

These contaminants come from the rock and soil in this region. The Texas coastal uplands sit above layers containing naturally occurring arsenic and uranium. Nitrate enters from agricultural activity and septic systems in areas with sandy soil that lets water move down quickly. Iron and manganese dissolve from minerals in the rock as water moves through it underground.

Groundwater in this county is elevated in iron, manganese, and other dissolved metals from the local geology. Water moving through the rock layers picks up these metals over time. Many wells across the county show these characteristics.

Wells in Starr County commonly show arsenic, fluoride, uranium, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic damages organs over time and increases cancer risk. Fluoride at high levels can harm bone and tooth development in children. Uranium is radioactive and can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen.

Iron and manganese in county well water leave reddish or brown stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry. Water may taste metallic or smell unpleasant. These minerals can clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time. Moderate iron levels here can still cause noticeable staining and affect how appliances work.

Your well is unique, 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 it can be treated properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or specific filtration systems can address multiple contaminants at once.