Groundwater in Brewster County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
The rock layers beneath Brewster County naturally contain these metals and minerals. As water moves slowly through the rock, it dissolves iron, manganese, arsenic, and fluoride, picking them up over time. The desert environment and the chemistry of the local bedrock create conditions where these elements leach into groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by moderate iron and sodium levels in addition to the natural hardness minerals. Iron and these other metals concentrate in the water because they are present in the rocks that the groundwater passes through on its way underground. Most wells in Brewster County show these mineral characteristics to some degree.
Wells in Brewster County commonly have arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and damage organs like the kidneys and heart. Fluoride at high levels can harm bone health and dental development in children. Lead poisoning harms the brain and nervous system, especially in young children, and can lower learning ability. Manganese exposure can affect the brain and nervous system as well.
The moderate levels of iron and minerals in county wells can stain laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures with orange or brown marks. Hard water can leave scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters that reduces water flow and shortens appliance lifespan. You may notice a metallic taste in the water or unpleasant odors from iron and manganese.
We recommend a comprehensive water test because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county's wells. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, ion exchange systems, or reverse osmosis can address multiple contaminants.
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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