Groundwater in Grayson County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, radon, and pfhxs, all at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment.
The rocks and soil in this area naturally contain these elements, and they dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the ground. Radon comes from uranium decay in the rock itself. Iron and manganese are common metals in the local geology. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in certain rock layers. The high sodium in the water reflects the mineral composition of the aquifer rock in this region.
Groundwater in Grayson County is soft but carries elevated sodium and moderate amounts of iron. Sodium dissolves from the rock as water percolates down, and iron is released from minerals in the aquifer. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Grayson County have tested positive for several contaminants above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause dental problems and bone issues. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. PFHXS is a chemical linked to immune system and liver problems. Manganese and iron at high levels can affect your nervous system and brain development, especially in children.
The very high sodium levels in county wells affect taste and make water unsuitable for people on salt-restricted diets. Iron and manganese cause orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. They also create an unpleasant metallic taste and smell. The water in this county is soft, so you won't have scale buildup, but the staining and taste problems from iron and manganese are real concerns for daily life.
We recommend getting your well tested right away since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, and chemical contaminants runs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know exactly what needs treatment. Once you have results, you can explore options like carbon filters for chemicals, ion exchange for sodium reduction, and aeration or oxidation systems for iron and manganese removal.
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 | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 498 | 18% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 333 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 102 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 189 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 672 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 102 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 184 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 102 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 102 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 102 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 3* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 102 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 3* | 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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