Parker County groundwater contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and PFHXS and PFOS compounds. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require attention.
The rock beneath Parker County naturally releases metals like arsenic, iron, lead, and manganese as water moves through it over time. Fluoride also occurs naturally in the local geology. PFHXS and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have entered groundwater through industrial activity and urban development in the region.
Groundwater in Parker County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the underlying rock. The local geology also contributes moderate iron and sodium to the water. These mineral characteristics appear across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Parker County can contain arsenic, fluoride, lead, manganese, and PFOS and PFHXS chemicals at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic damages organs and increases cancer risk with long-term exposure. Lead harms brain development in children and affects the nervous system in adults. Fluoride at high levels can damage tooth enamel, especially in children. Manganese can affect the nervous system. PFOS and PFHXS are industrial chemicals that build up in your body over time and may harm your immune system and liver.
The very hard water in county wells creates staining and buildup problems. Iron leaves reddish or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Water heaters and dishwashers wear out faster in extremely hard water. You may notice scale forming inside pipes and appliances. Some people detect a metallic or bitter taste in their water.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or specialized filters can address multiple contaminants at once.
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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