Well owners in Van Zandt County should be aware of iron, manganese, lead, nitrate, and PFOS in their groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require attention.
The rocks beneath this county naturally contain iron and manganese, which dissolve into water as it moves underground. Nitrate enters from agricultural activities and septic systems on the land above. PFOS comes from industrial products and firefighting foam that have contaminated groundwater in scattered locations. Lead can leach from old pipes and plumbing materials in individual wells.
Groundwater in this county is soft and high in sodium, driven by iron and sodium minerals in the water. The rock layers here release these minerals as water passes through them over time. Many wells across Van Zandt County show these same mineral characteristics.
Wells in Van Zandt County can contain iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Manganese affects how the nervous system works. Nitrate is particularly dangerous for babies and can cause serious health problems. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body over time and can harm your health.
The iron and high sodium in county wells create staining problems. Iron leaves rust-colored marks on laundry, dishes, and bathroom fixtures. The high sodium content can be a concern for people watching their salt intake. You may notice a metallic taste in your water or rust-colored water from the tap.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Basic testing costs $50 to $100, while a comprehensive panel runs $200 to $400. Treatment options like iron removal systems and lead filters can help address 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 150 | 39% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 80 | 38% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 30 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 62 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 58 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 61 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 65 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 268 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 62 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 62 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 30 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 62 | — | 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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