Groundwater in Palo Pinto County contains manganese, iron, and fluoride. All three of these contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should test their water and take action if needed.
These metals and fluoride come from the rocks underground in this region. The local rock formations naturally release iron and manganese into groundwater as water moves through them over time. Fluoride also occurs naturally in these rocks and dissolves into the water.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron and manganese, the metals that give it its mineral character. These elements are released from the rock as water passes through it, and they concentrate in many wells across the county. Both metals are common findings in wells throughout Palo Pinto County.
Wells in Palo Pinto County commonly contain fluoride, iron, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause dental fluorosis, which leaves white spots or streaks on teeth, especially in children whose teeth are still forming. Iron and manganese can damage the brain and nervous system with long-term exposure, and these metals are of particular concern for children's development and learning.
Iron in county well water leaves rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are hard to remove. Manganese creates brown or black stains and can make water taste bitter or metallic. These stains build up over time on fixtures and clothing, and they signal that these metals are present in your water.
We recommend having your well tested with a comprehensive panel since multiple analytes exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options like iron filters or whole-house systems can address these concerns.
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 | 10 | 10% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 22 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 60 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | 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.
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