Groundwater in Fort Bend County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, and the industrial chemicals PFOA and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and awareness essential for well owners in this area.
The coastal lowlands geology beneath Fort Bend County naturally contains arsenic and manganese in the rock layers that hold water. Saltwater intrusion from the Gulf Coast pushes chloride into freshwater zones. Radon enters groundwater from radioactive minerals in the aquifer. Nitrate comes from fertilizer and septic systems, while PFOA and PFOS are industrial contaminants that have spread through the groundwater from past manufacturing and industrial sites.
Groundwater in Fort Bend County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the sedimentary layers below. Moderate iron and high sodium also characterize the water, adding to its mineral load. These hard-water and mineral characteristics are widespread across wells in the county, though individual well results can vary.
Fort Bend County well water contains several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, radon, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS are the primary concerns. Arsenic can damage your organs and increase cancer risk. Radon is a radioactive gas that raises lung cancer risk when breathed in over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies under six months and can cause serious illness. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that build up in your body and can harm your immune system and liver.
The county's very hard water causes mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures. Scale forms on faucets, showerheads, and inside appliances. Iron staining leaves rust-colored marks on sinks and laundry. The water may taste salty or have a metallic flavor. This very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers, costing you more in repairs and replacements.
Because every well is different, your water could have much higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be treated properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems, water softeners, and aeration filters depending on your specific results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 9 | 78% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 280 | 23% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 208 | 20% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 356 | 3% | High | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 299 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 89 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 164 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 299 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 447 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 299 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 149 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 299 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 299 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 109 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 96 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 299 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 333 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 95 | — | Moderate | 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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