County health authority reports slightly higher cancer incidence, warns private wells may be vulnerable to arsenic spikes

Dr. James Mobley, identified as San Patricio County’s health authority, briefed the Commissioners Court on cancer incidence, mortality and local groundwater arsenic risks.

Mobley said the county’s five‑year cancer incidence is about 446.8 cases per 100,000, with roughly 1,700 cases in that period; he compared the county rate to the Texas average (about 430 per 100,000) and said San Patricio sits slightly above the state mean. He noted prostate and breast cancers accounted for many cases and expressed particular concern about lung cancer deaths.

On mortality, Mobley reported about 172 cancer deaths in the five‑year window and said overall mortality rates have improved versus 15–30 years ago, but cautioned small‑county statistics are sensitive to small absolute changes. He emphasized the county’s lack of a hospital and a low doctor‑to‑population ratio (he cited roughly 5,000 residents per doctor locally versus larger state and national capacity), arguing limited local access to primary and specialty care likely contributes to worse outcomes.

Mobley also described a recent arsenic exceedance in Robstown, reporting a measured level of 13 parts per billion (ppb) versus the federal standard of 10 ppb. He said major public suppliers (examples cited) report typical arsenic values of about 3.6 and 2.7 ppb and that public systems are monitored; by contrast private wells are not required to test, may vary by depth and location, and could be affected by groundwater projects such as the Evangeline Groundwater Project. He recommended that residents with private wells use certified laboratories for periodic testing (costs cited at roughly $25–$50) and offered to forward specific location concerns to the Texas Cancer Data Center for further review.

During questions the judge asked about death‑certificate practice; Mobley explained that causes of death are entered as a chain (immediate cause and underlying causes) and that failing to record cancer when appropriate would risk licensure and regulatory penalties. The court did not adopt immediate policy changes at the meeting; Mobley offered to provide additional location‑specific analysis on request.

This report is based on the county health authority’s presentation to the commissioners and public Q&A recorded in the meeting transcript.