Baylor County well owners need to be aware of nitrate, iron, manganese, and fluoride in their groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require attention.
These contaminants come from different sources. Nitrate enters the water from fertilizers and septic systems used across the county's agricultural lands. Iron, manganese, and fluoride dissolve naturally from the rock layers beneath the surface as water moves through the ground.
Groundwater in this county is notable for elevated iron and manganese, which come from the local rock formations that contain these metals. As water sits in the ground, these minerals dissolve and accumulate in wells. Many wells across Baylor County show these characteristics.
Wells in Baylor County commonly exceed EPA health standards for fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage tooth enamel in children whose teeth are still developing. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how their blood carries oxygen. Manganese can affect the nervous system with long-term exposure.
Iron and manganese in county well water leave reddish or brownish stains on laundry, fixtures, and surfaces that are hard to remove. The water may taste metallic or unpleasant. These minerals can also build up as scale inside pipes and appliances, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Every well is different, and your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like iron and manganese removal systems or nitrate filters can address the specific problems found in your well.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 39 | 41% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 57 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 61 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 304 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | Low | 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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