Groundwater in Irion County contains arsenic, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should monitor and address.
The rocks beneath Irion County naturally release these elements into groundwater. Iron and manganese leach from the rock layers as water moves underground. Arsenic and sulfate also occur naturally in the local geology. Radon enters from radioactive minerals in the rock above and around the water zones.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high levels of sulfate and sodium along with the natural hardness minerals. The rock formations here naturally release sulfate and sodium into water as it flows through. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Irion County can contain arsenic, iron, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer and other serious diseases. Radon is a radioactive gas that can damage your lungs if you breathe it in for years. Manganese can affect your nervous system and cause problems with thinking and movement. Iron and sulfate at high levels also pose health concerns for some people, especially children and pregnant women.
The very hard water in county wells can cause stubborn staining on sinks, tubs, and toilets that is hard to clean. You will likely see scale buildup inside pipes and on faucet screens. Your water may have a bad taste or smell like rotten eggs. Very hard water also wears out water heaters and dishwashers much faster than normal water does.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your specific well needs. A comprehensive metals and minerals test typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on results, treatments like filtration systems, water softeners, or aeration can help remove or reduce these 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 51 | 29% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 52 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 50 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 340 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 50 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 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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