Groundwater in Bandera County contains fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants are present at very high concentrations that warrant attention.
The Edwards-Trinity aquifer system and surrounding rock layers in this area naturally release these minerals and elements into groundwater. As water seeps slowly through the limestone and rock below, it dissolves fluoride, iron, and manganese. Nitrate can enter from agricultural land and septic systems. Radon comes from naturally radioactive minerals in the rock. Sulfate concentrations are driven by mineral-rich rock layers that the water passes through over time.
Groundwater in Bandera County is very hard, with very high sulfate levels and moderate iron content defining its mineral character. The limestone and rock in this region contain dissolved calcium, magnesium, and sulfate minerals that accumulate as water moves underground. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county.
Wells in Bandera County commonly exceed EPA health standards for fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, and sulfate. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage tooth enamel and bone health. Iron and manganese can affect the nervous system and cause other health concerns. Nitrate is dangerous for infants and can reduce oxygen in the blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in over time.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You will likely see white scale buildup inside pipes and on fixtures. Iron causes rust-colored staining on laundry and sinks. The high sulfate content can create an unpleasant taste or odor. Hard water also makes soap less effective for cleaning.
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 water could have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, and specialized filters can address multiple concerns depending on your results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 37 | 57% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 232 | 36% | High | High | |
| Radon | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 217 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 313 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 56 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 203 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 196 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 38 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 37 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 38 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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