Iron, manganese, and sulfate are present in Houston County's groundwater and exceed EPA health standards. These levels are concerning enough that well owners should be aware of them.
The rocks beneath Houston County naturally contain iron and manganese compounds that dissolve into groundwater as water moves slowly through the ground. Sulfate also occurs naturally in these rock layers. This is a common pattern across the Texas coastal uplands region.
Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron and sulfate present, driven by minerals dissolving from the rock formations below. As water percolates through the soil and rocks over time, these elements leach into the aquifer. Wells across Houston County commonly show this combination of characteristics.
Wells in Houston County commonly have iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can affect your nervous system and organs with long-term exposure. Sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive issues. These metals and minerals dissolve naturally as water moves through the rock and soil beneath the county.
Your water may have a metallic or rotten-egg taste from these minerals. Iron can leave orange or rust-colored stains on fixtures, clothing, and surfaces. Manganese often appears as black stains. These stains are frustrating to clean and can build up over time on pipes and appliances.
Your well is unique, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Testing typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and manganese removal systems can help address these concerns.
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 | 179 | 28% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 107 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 102 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Fluoride | 227 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 102 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 22 | — | Moderate | 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.
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