Iron, manganese, nitrate, and fluoride are present in McCulloch County groundwater. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so well owners should be aware of them.
The rocks beneath this county naturally contain iron and manganese, which dissolve into the water as it moves underground. Nitrate comes from fertilizer use on farms and ranches in the area. Fluoride also occurs naturally in the local bedrock.
Groundwater in this county is marked by moderate iron content along with elevated manganese and fluoride from the rocks below. Water moving through these mineral-rich rock layers picks up these elements over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in McCulloch County commonly exceed EPA health standards for fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone and tooth development, especially in children. Iron and manganese at high levels may cause digestive problems with long-term exposure. Nitrate is a concern for infants and can reduce oxygen in the blood.
Elevated iron and manganese in county wells create reddish or dark brown staining on laundry, sinks, and fixtures. These minerals leave scale buildup inside pipes and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The water may have a metallic taste or unpleasant odor.
Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like sediment filters or water softeners can 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 270 | 43% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 158 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 430 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 99 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 97 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 1 | — | 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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