Well water in Reagan County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so testing your well is important.
These contaminants come from the rock formations beneath the county. Radon and uranium occur naturally in the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system. Arsenic and fluoride also dissolve naturally from the rock. Nitrate enters from fertilizer and septic systems in agricultural areas.
Groundwater in Reagan County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the underlying rock, along with high sodium and sulfate. The Edwards-Trinity aquifer system naturally releases these minerals as water moves through the rock over time. These hard-water characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Reagan County commonly contain arsenic, fluoride, uranium, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Fluoride and nitrate at elevated levels can affect children's health, including bone and tooth development.
County well water is also very hard and contains high sodium and sulfate. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on fixtures and in pipes, and it shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The mineral content can give water a slightly salty or bitter taste, and some people notice a rotten egg smell from sulfate. Reddish or brown staining on sinks and laundry is common from iron and manganese.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in Reagan County. 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 between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or activated carbon can address multiple 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 47 | 26% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 164 | 18% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 28 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 164 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 154 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 623 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 146 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | 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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