Groundwater in Schleicher County contains nitrate, iron, and fluoride. All three of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards in wells across the county.
Nitrate enters groundwater from septic systems and fertilizer applied to soil. Iron dissolves naturally from the rock and minerals in the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system as water moves slowly through them. Fluoride also occurs naturally in this aquifer system. All three travel into wells as water flows through the underground layers.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and rock layers below. Water moving through these rock formations dissolves calcium and magnesium, which accumulate over time. Very hard water is common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Schleicher County commonly have fluoride, iron, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause dental fluorosis, which creates white spots or streaks on teeth, especially in children whose teeth are still developing. Nitrate poses a serious health risk to infants and can reduce the oxygen-carrying ability of blood in young children. Iron above the health standard can cause problems with how your body processes iron over time.
The very hard water in county wells leaves white scale buildup on fixtures, inside pipes, and on appliances. This scale can reduce water flow and make it harder for soap to lather. Over time, extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice rust staining on sinks and toilets from the iron content.
We recommend a comprehensive water panel to find out exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you are dealing with so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can address hardness, and filtration systems can remove iron and other contaminants.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 81 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 717 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 77 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | 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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