Groundwater in Baylor County contains nitrate, iron, manganese, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should know that these contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil of this region. Nitrate typically enters from agricultural activity and septic systems on the land surface, then seeps down into the water below. Iron and manganese occur naturally in the local rock and dissolve into groundwater as water moves through it. Fluoride is also present naturally in the rock in this area.
Groundwater in Baylor County is marked by elevated iron and manganese from the local bedrock. As water sits underground in contact with this rock, it picks up these minerals over time. Iron and manganese are common findings across many wells throughout this county.
Wells in Baylor County commonly have fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride can damage children's teeth and bones during development. Iron and manganese can cause nervous system problems with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can prevent their blood from carrying oxygen properly.
Iron and manganese in county well water cause orange, brown, or black staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. These minerals create a metallic or unpleasant taste in drinking water and can leave scale buildup inside pipes and appliances that shortens their lifespan.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400, and treatment options like point-of-use filters or whole-house systems can address these concerns.
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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