Groundwater in Sutton County contains iron, manganese, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers a concern for long-term exposure.
Iron and manganese come from the rock layers that make up the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system in this area. These metals naturally dissolve out of the rock as water moves slowly through it underground. Fluoride also occurs naturally in the groundwater from the local rock formation. All three of these elements are common in this part of Texas because of the mineral composition of the bedrock.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other rock layers below. The slow movement of water through these dense rock formations allows minerals to dissolve in high amounts. Hard water is the rule rather than the exception in Sutton County wells.
Wells in Sutton County show three analytes at levels that exceed EPA health standards: fluoride, iron, and manganese. Fluoride at high levels can cause dental and skeletal problems. Iron and manganese above drinking water standards can cause issues with blood and nervous system function. These concerns show up in county wells, though your well could have different levels.
The extremely hard water in this county's wells creates real quality-of-life challenges. Hard water leaves scale buildup on pipes and fixtures, spots on dishes and shower doors, and makes soap work poorly. Over time, very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice reduced water pressure as scale builds up.
We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed for your family. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softeners can address hardness, and certain filters can reduce fluoride, iron, and manganese.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 199 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 196 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 508 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 185 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 186 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 139 | 0% | High | Low | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | 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.
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