Well Water in Val Verde County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Val Verde County contains radon, iron, sulfate, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, manganese, and nitrate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing your well important.

These contaminants come from the local rock and soil. Radon seeps from natural radioactive materials deep underground. Arsenic, fluoride, and manganese dissolve naturally from the rock layers as water moves through them. Nitrate and chloride can come from both natural sources and human activity like agriculture or septic systems. Sulfate also occurs naturally where certain minerals break down in the soil.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and mineral-rich rock below. The slow movement of water through these deep rock layers allows minerals to dissolve in high amounts. Very hard water is common across wells in Val Verde County, though the exact levels vary from well to well.

Arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, and sulfate have been found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Val Verde County. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer and organ damage. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage developing teeth and bones. Nitrate is especially harmful to infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters through groundwater and increases lung cancer risk when breathed in.

The very hard water in this county creates visible problems in your home. You'll see white, chalky scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap less effective, leaving your skin and clothes feeling sticky. It can also create a metallic taste or odor in your water. Over time, this extreme hardness shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.

We recommend a comprehensive water test to understand what's actually in your well. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what you're drinking and what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softeners address hardness, while activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems can tackle multiple concerns.