Groundwater in San Jacinto County contains radon, arsenic, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are a serious concern and require your attention.
The rock beneath this county naturally releases these metals and radioactive elements into the water as it flows underground. Radon comes from radioactive decay in the rock, while iron and manganese dissolve from the sediment and stone that surround the aquifer. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the local rock formation.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated iron and sodium as the dominant minerals. Iron dissolves naturally as water moves through the local rock and sediment, while sodium concentrations reflect the chemistry of the underground layers here. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Arsenic, iron, manganese, and radon are found at unhealthy levels in wells across San Jacinto County. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over time. Iron and manganese at high levels can affect how your body processes certain nutrients and functions.
County well water is moderately hard and contains elevated sodium. You may notice a metallic or reddish tint to your water, staining on dishes, laundry, and bathroom fixtures. Iron can also create an unpleasant taste. The moderate hardness means mineral buildup on pipes and appliances over time, which can shorten the lifespan of your water heater and dishwasher.
Because multiple contaminants exceed health standards here, we recommend a comprehensive water test for metals, minerals, and radioactive elements. Your well is unique and could have much higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can address several of 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 9 | 44% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 74 | 39% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 183 | 25% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 74 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 138 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 66 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 34 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 6 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 21 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 6 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 21 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 19 | — | Moderate | 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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