Groundwater in Schleicher County contains nitrate, iron, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at levels the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant attention and testing.
Nitrate comes mainly from fertilizers and animal waste seeping down from the land surface into the groundwater. Iron and fluoride occur naturally in the rock and soil of this region. The Edwards-Trinity aquifer system that supplies wells here contains these minerals as part of its geology, and they dissolve into the water as it moves through the rock.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock layers below. The mineral-rich geology of this area concentrates these hardness minerals into the water as it flows underground. Very hard water is common across wells throughout Schleicher County.
Wells in Schleicher County show elevated levels of fluoride, iron, and nitrate compared to EPA health standards. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone and dental health, especially in children. Iron itself is not a health threat, but nitrate poses a real concern for infants and vulnerable people because it can interfere with how blood carries oxygen.
The extremely hard water in county wells creates practical challenges for daily life. You'll see white scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, and soap won't lather well. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers by creating mineral deposits inside them. Laundry may feel stiff and your skin might feel dry after showering.
We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, and contaminants typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars and is the only way to know what treatment your well actually needs. Depending on results, treatment options can include reverse osmosis systems or whole-house filters designed for your specific concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 81 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 717 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 77 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | 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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