Groundwater in Brewster County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that warrant attention from well owners.
The rock beneath this county naturally releases these metals into water as it moves slowly underground. Iron and manganese seep from the minerals in the local rocks, while arsenic and fluoride dissolve into groundwater from the surrounding stone. Lead can enter from rock formations and old well materials. The dry climate means little rainfall filters down to dilute these elements, so they concentrate over time.
Groundwater in Brewster County is moderately hard, with moderate iron and sodium also present in the water. The local rocks release calcium and magnesium that create the hardness, along with iron from iron-bearing minerals found in the area. These mineral characteristics appear across many wells throughout the county, though individual well compositions vary.
Wells in Brewster County can contain arsenic, fluoride, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time increases the risk of cancer and can damage the kidneys and nervous system. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone health and dental development in children. Lead is especially harmful to children and can damage the brain and kidneys even at low exposures. Manganese can affect the nervous system and development in young children.
The moderately hard water in county wells can leave white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. You may notice staining from iron in sinks and toilets, or a metallic taste in the water. Soap and shampoo work less effectively in hard water, and laundry may feel stiff. Water heaters and dishwashers can wear out faster with this level of hardness.
We recommend testing your well water. Every well in the county is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel usually costs between $200 and $400 and will check for all these concerns. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or specialized filters can remove arsenic and other contaminants from drinking water.
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 | 198 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 365 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 189 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 152 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 149 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 25 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 32 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 29 | — | 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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