Groundwater in Yoakum County contains arsenic, sulfate, fluoride, chloride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations and well owners should have their water tested.
The High Plains aquifer in this area naturally contains high levels of these minerals and salts. The rock layers underground release arsenic, sulfate, and other dissolved minerals into the water as it flows through. Nitrate enters from fertilizer use on the land above. These sources work together to create water with multiple contaminants across the county.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated sulfate and sodium that concentrate in the aquifer. The sandy and rocky layers of the High Plains hold onto these minerals as water moves through them over time. High sulfate and sodium levels are widespread across wells throughout Yoakum County.
Wells in Yoakum County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Nitrate poses special danger to infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Fluoride, manganese, and chloride at high levels can affect bone health, the nervous system, and overall body function.
The very hard water in county wells causes stubborn scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. You may notice rust stains on sinks and laundry, plus a bitter or salty taste in the water. Hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines by forcing them to work harder. Soap and shampoo will not lather well.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can choose the right treatment. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants depending on your 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 137 | 66% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 22 | 45% | Moderate | High | |
| Fluoride | 218 | 30% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 50 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 22 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 152 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 152 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 137 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 24 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 22 | — | Moderate | 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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