Iron, manganese, and fluoride are present in Sutton County's groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants warrant attention from well owners in this area.
The Edwards-Trinity aquifer system and surrounding rock layers naturally release iron and manganese as water moves slowly through the stone over time. Fluoride also occurs naturally in the local rock and dissolves into groundwater in this region. These metals and minerals are common in West Texas geology.
Groundwater in Sutton County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium leached from the limestone and other rocks that make up the aquifer system. As water percolates through these mineral-rich formations, it picks up dissolved hardness minerals over long periods. Most wells throughout this county show similarly high hardness levels.
Wells in Sutton County commonly have fluoride, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can harm bone and tooth development in children. Manganese can affect the nervous system and brain function, especially with long-term exposure. Iron itself is not a health concern, but these three contaminants together mean your well water deserves attention.
The county has very hard water, which causes white scale buildup inside pipes and on fixtures. This scale reduces water flow and makes appliances work harder. Extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice that soap doesn't lather well and laundry feels stiff.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can help with hardness, while other treatments address fluoride and manganese removal.
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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