Groundwater in Parker County contains iron, manganese, arsenic, fluoride, lead, and PFHXS compounds. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock below and from human activity. Iron and manganese occur naturally when water dissolves these metals from the surrounding rock. Arsenic and fluoride are also naturally present in the geology. Lead and PFHXS compounds can enter groundwater from old pipes, industrial sites, or other sources on or near the land surface.
Groundwater in Parker County is very hard, driven by high levels of calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock. Hard water forms when rainfall passes through limestone and other mineral-rich rock layers underground, picking up these dissolved solids. This very hard water character is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Parker County commonly have arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and PFOS above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage the kidney and nervous system over time. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone health and teeth. Lead harms children's brain development and learning. Manganese can affect the nervous system. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body and may weaken your immune system.
The very hard water in county wells causes significant everyday problems. Hard water leaves white scale on faucets and in pipes, spots on dishes and glasses, and buildup inside water heaters and dishwashers that can shorten their lifespan. You may notice stiff, difficult-to-clean laundry and dry skin after bathing. The elevated iron in many wells stains sinks and clothes orange or brown and creates a metallic taste.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your specific well, 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. Water softeners can address hardness, and specific filters can reduce iron, arsenic, and other contaminants depending on what testing reveals.
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 | 184 | 28% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 121 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 74 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 74 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 99 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 101 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 257 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 74 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 74 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 74 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 74 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 7 | — | 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.
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