Groundwater in Jim Hogg County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, nitrate, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious and require attention from well owners.
The rock and soil in this area naturally contain minerals that dissolve into groundwater. Saltwater intrusion from the nearby coast pushes salty chloride and sulfate into the aquifer. Agricultural activity and septic systems contribute nitrate to the water underground.
Groundwater in this county is not hard, but it is very high in sodium and sulfate. These minerals dissolve naturally from the surrounding rock and coastal geology. The very high sodium and sulfate levels are widespread across wells throughout Jim Hogg County.
Wells in Jim Hogg County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, radon, nitrate, and fluoride. Arsenic and lead can harm organs and damage children's development. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Nitrate poses special danger to infants and young children. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause dental problems.
The county's water is soft, which means scale buildup is not a major issue. However, very high sodium and sulfate levels create noticeable problems. Water may taste salty or have a rotten egg odor from sulfate. Iron leaves reddish-brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes.
Your well's water quality is unique to your location and may differ from county averages. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals test to see exactly what is in your water, since multiple contaminants exceed standards here. A full panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or specialized filters can address your specific concerns once you know what you are dealing with.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 42 | 43% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 17% | Low | High | |
| Lead | 42 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Iron | 45 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 75 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
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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