Groundwater in Aransas County contains radon, chloride, manganese, arsenic, fluoride, iron, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from the coastal geology and saltwater influence in this region. The shallow aquifer system here contains layers of sand, clay, and silt that naturally hold minerals and allow salt water from the Gulf to mix with fresh groundwater. Radon enters from uranium in the rock, while manganese and iron come from minerals in the sediment layers. Chloride and sulfate reflect the coastal location where saltwater can reach underground.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated sodium and substantial calcium and magnesium from the surrounding sediment and mineral-rich layers. The coastal plain geology here naturally concentrates these minerals as water moves through the underground layers. Most wells in Aransas County show these hard-water characteristics.
Wells in Aransas County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, fluoride, and radon in groundwater can increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system, especially in children. Iron and chloride at high concentrations also pose health concerns for household water.
The very hard water and high sodium levels in county wells create real problems around the house. You will see rust stains from iron on fixtures, sinks, and laundry. Scale buildup inside pipes and on appliances happens quickly. The very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. High sodium gives the water a salty taste that many people notice right away.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water. Every well is different, and your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what treatment your specific well needs. Water softeners can address hardness, and activated carbon filters can help with some contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 174 | 64% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 22 | 55% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 16 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 48 | 42% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 162 | 23% | High | High | |
| Fluoride | 184 | 1% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 155 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 75 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 162 | — | High | 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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