Radon, sulfate, arsenic, iron, and manganese are present in Irion County groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants warrant attention from well owners in this area.
The rock beneath Irion County releases these contaminants naturally into the water. Radon comes from radioactive decay in the rock. Sulfate, iron, and manganese dissolve from minerals in the surrounding stone. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the local rock layers and leaches into groundwater over time.
Groundwater in Irion County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium, and also carries high sodium and sulfate. The rock composition in this region allows these minerals to dissolve easily into water as it moves underground. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Arsenic, radon, and manganese are found at levels above EPA health standards in wells across Irion County. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that raises lung cancer risk when you breathe it over time. Manganese can affect the nervous system and cause learning and movement problems, especially in children.
Wells in this county have extremely hard water along with high sulfate and sodium levels. The hardness creates white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. You may notice reduced soap lather, stiff laundry, and difficulty rinsing dishes. The high sulfate can give water a bitter or salty taste. Over time, very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Since every well in Irion County is different, your water could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it correctly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can help address multiple concerns at once.
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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