Groundwater resources vary in their quality and quantity across the Lone Star State. Aquifer systems and localized regions contain presences of natural and man-made substances at various concentrations. Topography, geology, and human development can all impact groundwater quality.

Testing well water every few years is recommended from health professionals to monitor potential contaminants.

Common groundwater contaminants include the following:

  • Organic compounds
    • VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
    • Pesticides
    • Chlorinated Solvents/Benzene
  • Inorganic Compounds
    • Heavy & semi-metals (ex: Lead, Aluminum & Arsenic)
    • Chlorides
    • Dissolved Solids
    • Calcium Carbonate
    • Nitrates

UTGCD does not perform testing on surface water bodies, and recommend interested parties seek out TCEQ or their local river authority.

District staff can perform E.coli & coliform presence testing on groundwater samples through registered wells.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality maintains a full database of NELAP laboratories.

https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/qa/env_lab_accreditation.html

What types of water quality testing exist?

Many simple or at home kits can test water for a variety of parameters, including pH, dissolved solids, and iron oxides. If an organization or financial entity requests a water test associated with the closing or purchasing of a property, these tests are usually requested a multitude of inorganic, organic, chemical, and by products outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency, and subsequenty, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in order to give a “clean bill of drinkability”.

These standards, known as the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, can be found at the link below.

https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations