Pecos County well water contains radon, sulfate, and chloride as the top detected contaminants, with nine analytes exceeding EPA health standards including arsenic, uranium, fluoride, nitrate, and radioactive radon. These exceedances indicate serious health concerns that require immediate attention.
The rock beneath this county naturally contains uranium and other radioactive elements that release radon gas into groundwater. Sulfate and chloride dissolve from the minerals in these rocks as water passes through them over time. Nitrate can come from natural sources in the rock but may also accumulate from agricultural or industrial activity on the land above.
Groundwater in Pecos County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the local rock, and also carries very high sodium and sulfate. These minerals concentrate because water stays in contact with the rock for long periods in this dry region, allowing dissolved minerals to build up. Most wells in the county show this combination of hardness and elevated salts.
Wells in Pecos County commonly contain arsenic, uranium, fluoride, nitrate, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are toxic metals that can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at elevated levels can harm bone health and teeth development in children. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can reduce oxygen in the bloodstream. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk.
The water in this county is extremely hard and contains very high sodium and sulfate. Hard water leaves scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes, shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers, and reduces how well soap works. You may notice a salty or metallic taste, rust staining on sinks and toilets, and chalky deposits on faucets. Laundry may feel stiff, and the water can leave spots on dishes and glassware.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out what is actually in your well, since every well in the county is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than average. Testing is the only way to know what you're drinking and what needs treatment. A full panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 92 | 65% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 92 | 53% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 467 | 16% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 443 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 138 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 766 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 432 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 144 | 1% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 429 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 65 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 3* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 92 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 74 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 88 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 3* | 0% | 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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