Groundwater in Burnet County contains chloride, iron, nitrate, fluoride, lead, and manganese. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, with very hard water also present.
These contaminants come from multiple sources in the local rock and human activity. The underlying rock releases iron, manganese, and fluoride naturally as water moves through it. Chloride and nitrate enter from agricultural use, septic systems, and natural mineral deposits in the bedrock. Lead may come from old pipes or naturally occurring sources in the rock.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the surrounding rock. As water flows through the limestone and other rock layers beneath Burnet County, these minerals dissolve and accumulate. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and nitrate are found at levels above EPA health standards in wells across Burnet County. Lead harms brain development in children and can damage kidneys and bones in adults. Manganese affects the nervous system. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can cause serious illness. Fluoride at high levels can damage tooth enamel. Iron and chloride also pose health concerns at elevated levels.
Wells in this county have very hard water, which leaves white scale buildup on fixtures and reduces how well soap works. You may notice rust staining from iron or a metallic taste in your water. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time. Spots on dishes and glassware are common with this level of hardness.
We recommend having your well tested to find out exactly what is in your water. Every well in Burnet County is different, and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the area. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400 and is the only way to know what needs treatment. Once you have results, a water softener or iron removal system can help address your specific 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 11 | 9% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 181 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 37 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 173 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 292 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 135 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 140 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 85 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | 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.
Loading recent water news…