Groundwater in Callahan County contains fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and industrial chemicals called PFOS and PFHXS that exceed EPA health standards. These levels are high enough that well owners should be aware of them.
Fluoride, iron, and manganese come naturally from the local rock. Nitrate enters the groundwater from fertilizers and animal waste in the soil above. PFOS and PFHXS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some wells, likely from past industrial activity or disposal sites in the area.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock as water moves underground. This hard mineral character is widespread across wells in the county.
Wells in Callahan County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone and tooth development in children. Iron, manganese, and nitrate each present different health concerns ranging from nervous system effects to impacts on how the body processes oxygen. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS are industrial chemicals that can accumulate in the body and affect health over time.
Callahan County wells are very hard, which creates noticeable everyday problems. Hard water leaves stubborn stains on fixtures and dishes that are difficult to remove. Scale builds up inside pipes and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a slightly salty taste or a metallic flavor in the water.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Because multiple contaminants exceed health standards, we recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can address many of these concerns once you know your specific results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 36% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 25 | 28% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 21% | Low | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 21% | Low | High | |
| Nitrate | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 33 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 361 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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