Groundwater in Cameron County contains radon, manganese, arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and PFOA and PFOS compounds. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the coastal rocks and soils underground. The sandy and clay layers that make up this region's aquifer system naturally contain radioactive minerals that produce radon, as well as metals like arsenic, manganese, and iron. Some contamination also comes from saltwater that has moved into freshwater zones over time in this low-lying coastal area.
Groundwater in Cameron County is very hard, driven by high levels of sodium, sulfate, iron, and the natural hardness minerals that build up as water flows through the coastal sediments. This coastal aquifer system naturally concentrates minerals because water moves slowly through fine layers of sand and clay, allowing dissolved solids to accumulate. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Cameron County commonly have arsenic, fluoride, lead, manganese, radon, and PFOA/PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are especially concerning because they can build up in your body over time and cause serious health problems including cancer and developmental issues in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in from water. Manganese affects the nervous system, and fluoride and PFOA/PFOS have their own health effects at elevated levels.
County well water is very hard and contains high amounts of iron and sodium. The hardness causes scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes, and it makes soap less effective so you use more shampoo and detergent. The iron stains clothes, fixtures, and dishes orange-brown. Very hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a salty or sulfurous taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel because multiple contaminants are found in this county and every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, or ion exchange systems can address different 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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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