Groundwater in Brazos County contains iron, manganese, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and sulfate. Several of these are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards, making water testing important for well owners in this area.
The Texas coastal uplands aquifer system here consists of mixed rock and sediment layers that naturally release iron and manganese into water as it flows through. Chloride and saltwater intrusion from deeper zones can occur in some areas, while nitrate enters from surface sources like fertilizers and septic systems. Fluoride and arsenic occur naturally in parts of the rock.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by elevated sodium and moderate iron concentrations. The mixed rock layers and the slow movement of water through soil allow these minerals to accumulate. These characteristics are common across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Brazos County contain several substances at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can harm your kidneys and other organs over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can affect how the body uses oxygen. Fluoride, chloride, and sulfate at elevated levels also pose health concerns. Iron and manganese, while primarily aesthetic problems, can accumulate in your body if consumed at high levels over many years.
The mineral content in Brazos County wells creates noticeable quality-of-life issues. Iron causes orange, red, or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Manganese leaves dark brown or black stains and can create a metallic taste. The water here is moderately hard, which means soap doesn't work as well, and scale can build up in pipes and water heaters, shortening their lifespan. High sodium in the water may give it a slightly salty taste.
Your well could have higher or lower contaminant levels than what is common across the county--every well is different. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like iron removal systems or water softeners can address many of these concerns once you know your specific levels.
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 | 313 | 32% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 75 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 98 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 75 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 95 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 388 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 90 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 90 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sodium | 75 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 71 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 27 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 75 | — | 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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