Well Water in Nueces County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Nueces County contains chloride, sulfate, arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels, particularly arsenic, sulfate, and uranium.

These contaminants come from the coastal geology beneath this county. The underground layers here contain naturally occurring minerals and salts that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the rock. Saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico can also move inland into freshwater zones, bringing chloride and sulfate deeper underground.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and very high in sulfate, driven by minerals in the coastal rock layers and saltwater influence. As water filters down through these underground layers, it picks up sulfate and other dissolved minerals that are naturally present in this geology. These characteristics show up in many wells across the county, reflecting the shared geology that all wells tap into.

Wells in Nueces County have been found to exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, uranium, fluoride, and manganese. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive elements that can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Fluoride at high levels can cause dental and skeletal problems. Manganese can harm your nervous system and brain development, especially in children.

Wells in this county also show high levels of sulfate, chloride, and iron that affect your water's taste, smell, and appearance. Sulfate can give water a bitter taste and may cause digestive issues. Iron stains laundry, dishes, and plumbing fixtures orange or brown. The moderately hard water in this area can build up scale inside water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can remove many of these contaminants depending on what your results show.