Groundwater in Yoakum County contains arsenic, sulfate, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and chloride. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and deserve your attention.
These contaminants come from the rock layers of the High Plains aquifer below. Arsenic, fluoride, and manganese occur naturally in this underground formation. Nitrate and chloride seep down from agricultural land use and surface activities. Sulfate comes from minerals in the rock that dissolve as water passes through.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and mineral-rich rocks below. High sodium and sulfate levels also characterize the water here. Most wells across Yoakum County show these same mineral characteristics.
Arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells throughout this county. Arsenic exposure raises the risk of cancer and organ damage. Nitrate can harm infants and affect thyroid function. Fluoride and manganese at elevated levels can damage teeth and harm nervous system development. Chloride at high levels creates health concerns for people on restricted diets.
The water in Yoakum County wells is extremely hard, which creates real problems for daily living. You will see white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Bathing and laundry become harder because soap does not work as well. The high sodium and sulfate content can create a bitter or unpleasant taste. Very hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water and how to treat it properly. Every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Water softeners and reverse osmosis systems can address hardness and mineral 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 137 | 66% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 22 | 45% | Moderate | High | |
| Fluoride | 218 | 30% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 50 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 22 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 152 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 152 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 137 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 52 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 22 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 24 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 22 | — | 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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