Groundwater in Terrell County contains iron, lead, manganese, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations significant enough that well owners need to know about them.
The Edwards-Trinity aquifer system underlying this county releases these metals naturally as water dissolves minerals from the rock. Iron and manganese come from iron-bearing minerals in the bedrock, while fluoride occurs naturally in the formation. Lead can enter groundwater from contact with natural deposits in the aquifer or from pipe materials in individual wells.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and carbonate rocks below. The slow movement of water through these rock layers allows minerals to dissolve and accumulate over time. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout Terrell County.
Fluoride, iron, lead, and manganese are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells throughout Terrell County. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children, and can harm kidneys and bones. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone health and dental development. Manganese exposure harms brain function and development. Iron and lead together create serious health concerns that require attention.
Terrell County has extremely hard water, which causes white scale buildup on fixtures, in pipes, and inside appliances. This hardness shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You may notice reduced lather from soap and shampoo, stiff laundry, and a chalky residue on dishes and skin. The combination of these minerals makes water harder to use for everyday tasks.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. 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. Water softeners can address hardness, while reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can reduce metals.
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 | 131 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 123 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 125 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 175 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 123 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 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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