Groundwater in Thomas County contains arsenic, chloride, and e_coli, but none of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so contamination levels here are low. Well owners should still be aware of what is present in their water.
The sandy and loamy ground of this region allows rainwater to filter down quickly to the water table, which can carry these contaminants with it. The shallow depth of the surficial aquifer means surface activities on the land--such as waste disposal, agriculture, and animal operations--can influence groundwater quality more directly than in deeper aquifer systems. Local geology and land use patterns together shape what reaches the groundwater in this county.
Groundwater in Thomas County is hard, driven primarily by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from minerals in the sand and rock layers below. These minerals accumulate naturally as water moves through the ground over time. Hard water is common across wells throughout the county, while moderate iron levels are also present in many places.
Wells in Thomas County show traces of arsenic, chloride, and bacteria that warrant your attention. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and cause damage to the nervous system and heart. Bacteria contamination poses immediate health risks, especially for infants, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Hard water is common in Thomas County wells and can leave spots and scale on dishes, fixtures, and shower doors. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste from the moderate iron present. Hard water also reduces how long water heaters and dishwashers last because minerals build up inside them over time. The combination of hardness and iron can create staining on laundry and fixtures.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. We recommend a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants, which typically costs $200-400. Once you know your results, treatment options like iron filters or reverse osmosis systems can address your specific concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 23 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 20 | — | 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.
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