Groundwater in Lamar County contains iron, manganese, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough to warrant attention and testing.
The crystalline bedrock beneath Lamar County naturally contains iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through cracks and spaces in the rock. PFOS, a human-made chemical, comes from industrial sites, military installations, airports, or firefighting foam used in the area. Both sources--natural rock and industrial use--contribute to what your well may draw up from below.
Groundwater in this county has moderate iron content driven by the iron-bearing crystalline rock that makes up the aquifer. This type of rock is common throughout the region, and wells across neighboring counties experience similar iron and manganese concentrations. Iron and manganese appear in most wells drilled into this bedrock formation.
Wells in Lamar County contain iron, manganese, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese at high levels can cause problems with your organs and blood over time. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body and can harm your immune system and liver.
Iron in county wells causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. It can leave a metallic taste in drinking water. Manganese creates similar staining and can turn water brown or black. The water in this county is soft, so you won't have scale buildup on pipes and appliances like you would with hard water.
We recommend testing your well right away since you have a serious contamination concern in the county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. Iron and manganese can be removed with filters or oxidation systems, while PFOS requires specialized carbon filtration.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 21 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 21 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Chloride | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 12 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 23 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 23 | — | 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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