Travis County groundwater contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and warrant attention from well owners.
The rock beneath Travis County naturally releases many of these minerals and metals as water filters down through layers of stone and soil. PFOS and related chemicals come from industrial sources and have contaminated some areas. Nitrate enters from fertilizers and septic systems spreading across the county's developed regions. Arsenic and lead dissolve from the bedrock itself in certain zones.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock layers below. As rainwater seeps through these stones over years, it picks up these minerals and carries them into the water supply. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout Travis County.
Wells in Travis County commonly contain arsenic, lead, nitrate, nitrite, and PFNA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead can harm children's development and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with their ability to carry oxygen in the blood. PFNA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to health problems including immune system effects and high cholesterol.
Travis County wells are very hard, which creates several household problems. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on fixtures, in pipes, and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. You may notice rust-colored stains from iron on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The combination of minerals can make soap less effective and leave dishes spotted after washing.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which runs about $200-$400, since multiple contaminants exceed standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Water softeners and iron filters are common treatment options.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 133 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 978 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 2656 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 133 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 133 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Manganese | 827 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 1013 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 682 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 1013 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 744 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 1170 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1004 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 133 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 133 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 267 | 0% | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1011 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 132 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 1299 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 1011 | — | High | 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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