Groundwater in Kerr County contains fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should address through testing and treatment.
The Edwards-Trinity aquifer system that supplies this county's wells passes through rock layers naturally rich in minerals and radioactive elements. As water moves slowly through these deep rock formations, it dissolves fluoride, iron, manganese, and sulfate from the stone itself. Radon enters from radioactive minerals in the rock. These are natural sources, not pollution from surface activities.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock below, and it carries notably high iron and sulfate. The rock layers here naturally contain these minerals, and as water sits underground and moves through them, the minerals dissolve into the water. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Kerr County commonly contain fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride in high amounts can damage children's teeth and bones during development. Lead harms the brain and kidneys, especially in children and pregnant women. Manganese affects the nervous system. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems.
The very hard water in county wells leaves stubborn stains on fixtures, dishes, and laundry. Scale builds up inside pipes and water heaters, shortening the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. You may notice a bitter or metallic taste, and the water can smell like rotten eggs from sulfate and iron compounds.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. Every well is different--your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatments like reverse osmosis filters, water softeners, and aeration systems can address these concerns once you know your specific levels.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 180 | 43% | High | High | |
| Radon | 11 | 18% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 13 | 15% | Low | High | |
| Lead | 77 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 140 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 255 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 84 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrate | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 33 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 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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