Manganese, iron, chloride, fluoride, lead, and PFOA and PFOS are present in Milam County groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should test their water and take action if needed.
These contaminants come from a mix of sources. Iron and manganese occur naturally in the rock layers below the county. Chloride builds up from saltwater that moves upward through deeper rock layers, a process that happens over time in this part of Texas. Lead and fluoride can enter from pipes and plumbing, as well as from natural deposits. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have reached groundwater through industrial or municipal sources.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below, combined with high sodium and moderate iron. The hard water comes from minerals that dissolve as water moves through limestone and other rock layers in the area. These characteristics show up in most wells across the county.
Wells in Milam County show elevated levels of several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Lead can damage the brain and kidneys, especially in children and pregnant people. Fluoride, chloride, and sulfate at high levels can affect bone health and kidney function. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that build up in your body and may harm your immune system and liver. Iron and manganese can cause nervous system problems with long-term exposure.
The hard water in county wells leaves stains on sinks, showers, and laundry. Scale builds up inside pipes and water heaters, shortening their lifespan and making them work harder. High sodium can affect the taste of your water and is a concern for people on salt-restricted diets. Iron stains clothes and fixtures a rusty color.
We recommend a comprehensive water test right away since your well has multiple concerns that need attention. Every well is different--your water might have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like whole-house filters, water softeners, or reverse osmosis systems can address different 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 180 | 41% | High | High | |
| Iron | 230 | 37% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 5% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 73 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 372 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 73 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | 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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