Groundwater in Cameron County contains radon, manganese, arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and PFOA and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should be aware of their presence and test their water.
These contaminants come from multiple sources. Arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese occur naturally in the rock and soil layers of the coastal lowlands where groundwater flows. Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps from rocks underground. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial or commercial activities and contaminated sites in the area.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium, and also carries high sodium and sulfate along with elevated iron. The coastal plain geology here contains layers rich in minerals that dissolve slowly into water as it moves through the ground. These characteristics are widespread across wells in Cameron County, so most private wells in the area share these mineral patterns.
Wells in Cameron County contain arsenic, fluoride, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Fluoride at elevated levels can harm bone and tooth development, especially in children. Lead exposure harms the brain and nervous system and is particularly dangerous for young children. Manganese can affect how the nervous system works. Radon and PFOA and PFOS are also present in county wells and carry health concerns from long-term exposure.
The water in this county is very hard, which causes practical problems in daily life. You will likely see staining on fixtures and dishes, and scale buildup in pipes and appliances. The hardness, combined with elevated iron and sodium, can affect taste and leave a metallic or bitter flavor. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers, costing you money on repairs and replacements sooner than expected.
Every well in Cameron County 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. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. A water test will show you exactly what you are dealing with, and treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or ion exchange systems can address multiple concerns at once.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 58 | 74% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 57 | 51% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 125 | 50% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 63 | 25% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 63 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 52 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 361 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 63 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 63 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 63 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 63 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | 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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