Groundwater in Runnels County contains chloride, sulfate, iron, fluoride, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are high enough that well owners should be aware of them and test their water regularly.
The rock beneath this county holds minerals naturally, and as water moves through it over time, those minerals dissolve into the groundwater. Chloride and sulfate come from the rock itself--they are present in the formations that hold the water. Iron and manganese also leach from the rock as water passes through it. This is not pollution from human activity but rather the result of water spending time underground in mineral-rich rock.
Groundwater in Runnels County is very hard, with extremely high levels of sulfate and sodium that come from the rock layers below. As water sits in these rock formations, it picks up dissolved minerals, especially sulfate and sodium, which concentrate over time. Most wells in this county show this same pattern of very high hardness and high sulfate.
Wells in Runnels County show elevated levels of chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, and sulfate that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride and sulfate at high levels can affect people with heart or kidney problems or those on restricted diets. Fluoride above recommended amounts can cause dental fluorosis in children whose teeth are still forming. Iron and manganese can cause neurological effects with long-term exposure, especially in young children.
The water in this county is extremely hard and contains very high sodium and sulfate levels. You may notice stubborn staining on fixtures and appliances, buildup of scale in pipes and water heaters, and a salty or bitter taste. The extreme hardness will shorten the lifespan of your water heater, dishwasher, and other appliances that use hot water. You might also notice a rotten egg smell from the sulfate.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common across the county. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. A water softener can help with hardness, and a reverse osmosis filter or ion exchange system can address sodium and sulfate 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 7 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 18 | 100% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 11 | 18% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 12 | 17% | Low | High | |
| Fluoride | 339 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 7 | — | 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 →Loading recent water news…