Groundwater in Tarrant County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, uranium, and PFOA and PFOS compounds. Multiple contaminants in your county exceed EPA health standards, making water testing and treatment important for well owners.
These contaminants come from a mix of sources tied to the local rocks and human activity. The rocks beneath Tarrant County naturally contain minerals like iron, manganese, and uranium that dissolve into groundwater. Saltwater from deeper rock layers can move upward and add chloride. Fertilizers and septic systems on the land surface contribute nitrate. Industrial activity and urban development have introduced PFOA and PFOS into some areas.
Groundwater in Tarrant County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below, along with moderate levels of iron and sulfate. The limestone and shale rocks that make up much of the county's foundation naturally release these minerals as water moves through them. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Tarrant County exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, uranium, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals like PFOA and PFOS). Arsenic and uranium can damage your kidneys and bones over time. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children. PFAS chemicals build up in your body and can affect your immune system and liver. Nitrate in well water is dangerous for infants and can cause serious illness. Chloride and sulfate at high levels can upset your stomach.
The water in this county is very hard, which means scale builds up inside pipes and appliances. Your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine will wear out faster. You may see rust stains in your sinks and tub from iron in the water. Your skin and hair might feel sticky or dry after showering. Some people notice a sulfur or metallic taste in their water.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. We recommend a comprehensive panel to check for all the contaminants found in this county, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can remove many of these contaminants, but the right choice depends on what testing shows is in your water.
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 | 81 | 36% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 662 | 24% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 445 | 21% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 213 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 81 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 213 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 213 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 133 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 160 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 983 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 264 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 266 | 1% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 213 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 80 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 213 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 81 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 213 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 82 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 81 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
Loading recent water news…