Groundwater in Somervell County contains iron, arsenic, and fluoride. Iron is present at moderate levels and exceeds EPA health standards, while arsenic and fluoride are detected but at levels of concern below health thresholds.
Iron in this county's water comes from the local rocks dissolving slowly as water moves through them underground. The rock types here naturally release iron into the water over time. This is a common source of iron across the region.
Groundwater in this county is high in iron, which is the main mineral that shapes the water's character. Water moving through the local rocks picks up iron as it travels, and this process happens naturally wherever water sits in contact with certain rock types for extended periods. Iron presence is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Somervell County contain iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Exposure to elevated iron in drinking water over time can affect your health, though the specific health impacts depend on how much iron you consume and for how long. Arsenic and fluoride are also present in county groundwater and warrant attention, as both can cause health problems with long-term exposure at elevated levels.
Iron in well water leaves rust-colored stains on sinks, bathtubs, and laundry. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water. Iron can also clog pipes and damage appliances over time as it builds up inside them.
Your well is unique, and the levels in your water could be higher or lower than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for iron, arsenic, fluoride, and other contaminants, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron filters and reverse osmosis systems can remove these contaminants from your water.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 37 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 3 | 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.
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