Groundwater in Runnels County contains chloride, sulfate, iron, fluoride, and manganese. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a concern for well owners.
The rock formations beneath this county naturally release these minerals and salts into the water. As groundwater moves slowly through these rock layers, it dissolves minerals like sulfate and chloride that accumulate over time. The arid climate also means less rainfall to flush the aquifer, allowing salts to concentrate in deeper water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium, and also contains very high sodium and sulfate that drive its mineral character. These minerals come from the local rock layers, which naturally contain high salt and mineral content. These characteristics show up across most wells in the county.
Wells in Runnels County can contain chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride in elevated amounts can affect tooth development in young children. Manganese at high levels can damage the nervous system, especially in infants. Chloride and sulfate themselves do not pose direct health risks at the levels found here, but their presence indicates what is in the groundwater.
The county has extremely hard water with very high sodium and sulfate. This hardness causes white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. The high sodium gives the water a salty taste, and the sulfate can cause a rotten egg smell. Soap and shampoo do not lather well in this water.
Your well is different from others in the county and may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants. 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 typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or water softeners can address multiple concerns at once.
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 | 7 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 18 | 100% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 11 | 18% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 12 | 17% | Low | High | |
| Fluoride | 339 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 7 | — | 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.
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