Groundwater in Travis County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, several PFOA-related chemicals, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant attention and testing.
The sources of these contaminants are mixed. Arsenic, lead, and manganese come from the local rock layers breaking down over time. Nitrate and nitrite enter from fertilizers and septic systems in areas with intensive agriculture or development. Chloride concentrations reflect both natural minerals in the rock and salt from road de-icing or industrial uses. The PFOA-related chemicals come from industrial or commercial activities, including military sites and firefighting foam. Travis County's location along major corridors and its rapid growth have created conditions where human-made contamination reaches groundwater more easily.
Groundwater in Travis County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock formations below. These minerals dissolve naturally as water flows through limestone and other mineral-rich layers. Very hard water is common throughout most wells in the county.
Wells in Travis County show high levels of several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, lead, and nitrate can harm your health over time, affecting organs like kidneys and the nervous system. PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA are industrial chemicals linked to health problems including cancer and thyroid disease. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause bone and dental problems, especially in children.
The very hard water in this county's wells creates practical challenges for daily life. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. It reduces how well soap works for cleaning. Over time, very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice spots on dishes or a chalky feeling on your skin after showering.
We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show you what needs treatment. Testing is the only way to know what your family is actually exposed to so you can choose the right filtration or treatment system for your specific well.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 133 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 978 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 2656 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 133 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 133 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Manganese | 827 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 1013 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 682 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 1013 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 744 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 1170 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1004 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 133 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 133 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 267 | 0% | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1011 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 132 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 1299 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 1011 | — | High | 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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