Well Water in Kerr County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Kerr County contains fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant concentrations are serious enough that well owners should have their water tested and understand what is in their supply.

The Edwards-Trinity rock system and surrounding mixed rock types naturally release these minerals and elements into groundwater as water moves through the layers below. Iron and manganese come from the rock itself, sulfate dissolves from mineral deposits, fluoride occurs naturally in the stone, and radon comes from radioactive decay in the rock. Lead can also be released from natural deposits in the aquifer system.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and carbonate rock below, and it also carries high iron and moderate sulfate. Water moving through carbonate and other mixed rock types picks up these dissolved minerals over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Kerr County commonly exceed EPA health standards for fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, radon, and sulfate. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage tooth enamel and bones. Lead harms brain development, learning, and behavior in children, and raises blood pressure in adults. Manganese at high levels can affect the nervous system and brain function. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Iron and sulfate themselves are not direct health threats at the levels found here, but they indicate what else may be present in your well.

County well water is extremely hard, which causes white scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers. This extreme hardness shortens the lifespan of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers. Iron leaves rust-colored stains on laundry, sinks, and toilets. The elevated sulfate gives water a bitter or metallic taste. Hard water makes soap less effective for cleaning and leaves laundry feeling stiff. You may also notice reduced water pressure as scale accumulates in pipes.

Your well is different from others in the county--it may have higher or lower contamination than what is common here. 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 between two hundred and four hundred dollars. A water softener can help with hardness, and radon removal systems are available for radioactive gas concerns.