Groundwater in Erath County contains iron, manganese, nitrate, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations that warrant attention from well owners.
Iron and manganese come from the local rocks as water moves through them underground. Nitrate enters from fertilizers and septic systems in agricultural and rural areas. PFOS, a human-made chemical, comes from industrial activities and firefighting foam used at military sites, airports, and fire training areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below. As water sits in contact with these rocks over time, minerals dissolve into the water. Most wells across Erath County show these hardness characteristics.
Wells in Erath County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, nitrate, and PFOS. Iron and manganese can harm your organs and nervous system with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body and may affect your immune system and liver.
The very hard water in this county's wells causes stubborn stains on fixtures and laundry. You may see orange or brown discoloration from iron and dark staining from manganese. The water can taste metallic or smell bad. Over time, mineral buildup in pipes and appliances like water heaters and dishwashers can shorten their lifespan and increase repair costs.
Your well is unique and 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. Iron filters, water softeners, or specialized treatment systems can address these concerns once you know your 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 221 | 17% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 14% | Low | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 118 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 210 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 227 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 396 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 181 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 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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