Groundwater in Tarrant County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, PFHXS, PFOA, PFOS, sulfate, and uranium. Multiple contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for well owners in this area.
The rock and soil layers beneath Tarrant County naturally release many of these contaminants into groundwater. Iron and manganese seep in from the surrounding rock as water moves underground. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the same rock layers. Nitrate, chloride, and uranium enter from both natural sources and human activities like agriculture and industrial use. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have contaminated some wells through manufacturing and disposal.
Groundwater in Tarrant County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. This very hard water character is widespread across wells throughout the county. Sulfate also concentrations in the water, adding to the mineral load that well owners encounter.
Wells in Tarrant County exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, uranium, nitrate, fluoride, and industrial chemicals called PFOA and PFOS. Arsenic damages your kidneys and increases cancer risk over time. Lead harms children's brain development and learning. Uranium builds up in your bones and can cause kidney damage. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies. Fluoride at high levels can damage teeth and bones. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals that accumulate in your body and weaken your immune system.
The county's water is very hard, with moderate levels of iron and sodium. Hard water leaves white scale on faucets and inside pipes, shortening the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Stiff, chalky laundry and reduced soap effectiveness are common. Iron creates rust-colored stains on sinks and clothes. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in the water.
Your well is unique and could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on your results, treatment options like water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, or specialized filters can address your specific 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 | 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.
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