Public water systems are tested by law; private wells are not. The owner is responsible. The EPA recommends testing a private well at least once a year for bacteria, and testing again after flooding, repairs or a change in taste or smell.
What to test for
- Total coliform / E. coli bacteria
- Nitrate, especially near livestock, fertilizer or septic systems
- Total dissolved solids, chloride and sulfate: salty groundwater is common in parts of North Texas
- Hardness, iron and pH, which affect plumbing and appliances
How to test
Use a laboratory accredited by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and follow the sampling instructions. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension also runs water-well screenings in many counties.
Treatment
Depending on results, options include shock chlorination, UV disinfection, softeners, filters and reverse osmosis. Retest after treatment.