Well Water in Tyler County: What to Test and Why

Well owners in Tyler County need to know about radon, manganese, iron, chloride, lead, and nitrate in their groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

The rock beneath Tyler County naturally releases iron and manganese into water as it flows underground. Radon seeps in from radioactive elements in the local rock. Nitrate and chloride typically enter from agricultural runoff and septic systems in the area.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by moderate iron levels and dissolved minerals from the surrounding rocks. The local rock formations naturally contain these minerals, which dissolve into water as it moves through the ground. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county.

Wells in Tyler County commonly contain chloride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Lead damages children's brains and kidneys even at low doses. Nitrate harms infants and can affect thyroid function. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Manganese at high levels can harm the nervous system. Chloride and iron together signal contamination concerns.

County well water is moderately hard and contains moderate iron levels. You may notice rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. A metallic or bitter taste in the water is common. Scale buildup can form on pipes and fixtures. Over time, mineral deposits can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well right away since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county--testing is the only way to know what you actually have so it can be treated properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, water softeners, or reverse osmosis systems can address these concerns.