Groundwater Contamination in Texas: What Land Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing
- Brad Klewitz
- Dec 24, 2025
- 3 min read
When searching for your dream property, you’re likely thinking about acreage, trees, and access — not what’s happening underground. But groundwater contamination is becoming one of the most overlooked risks in Texas real estate. From Fayette to Frio County, water quality determines not only your comfort but also your long-term investment.
What Causes Groundwater Contamination Beneath Texas Land?
Groundwater contamination often begins with simple human activity — a fuel spill here, a fertilizer leak there — but the effects can last generations. According to CRG Texas Environmental Services, the top culprits include:
Industrial discharges like solvents and heavy metals
Agricultural runoff containing nitrates and pesticides
Leaking septic systems and old waste tanks
Abandoned oil wells seeping hydrocarbons into aquifers
The Texas Groundwater Protection Committee notes that thousands of documented contamination sites remain active across Texas. Many sit on or near private property, which means even rural wells are at risk.
How Does Groundwater Contamination Spread Across Properties?
Groundwater moves silently through the soil — and so do contaminants. Once pollutants enter an aquifer, they can travel miles underground, crossing property lines without notice.
In recent years, state regulators have notified hundreds of private well owners about potential contamination near their homes. Unfortunately, those notifications often came after water tests revealed unsafe levels of chemicals or bacteria.
For buyers, that means a clean test before closing isn’t just recommended — it’s essential.
While groundwater contamination is a real concern, proper testing and professional well construction significantly reduce risk for most landowners.
What Are the Health and Safety Risks for Homeowners?
Contaminated groundwater can introduce serious health hazards. The EPA lists nitrates, benzene, lead, and arsenic as the most concerning substances linked to private wells. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health concerns, according to EPA guidance.
Even if contamination levels are low, they can fluctuate seasonally — especially after floods or droughts, which are common in Central and South Texas. Regular testing protects your household and ensures compliance if you ever plan to sell the property.
How Groundwater Contamination Affects Texas Real Estate Decisions
Smart land buyers treat water quality as a core part of property evaluation. Just like you’d order a home inspection, it’s wise to request:
Well water test results (nitrate, bacteria, metals)
Records of nearby industrial or drilling activity
Confirmation that all wells are registered and sealed
Real estate investors are starting to ask these questions upfront because groundwater issues can make land harder to finance, develop, or sell. It’s not just about clean water — it’s about protecting your investment’s long-term value.
How Texas Is Tackling Groundwater Contamination — and How You Can Help
The state isn’t standing still. The Texas Tribune recently reported on a proposal to launch the Groundwater Science Research and Innovation Fund, supporting new cleanup and monitoring programs.
But lasting protection depends on awareness. Homeowners can play their part by properly maintaining wells, reporting leaks, and working with certified local drillers. Preventive drilling practices, correct well placement, and pressure-cementing — all standard procedures at Texas Southern Drilling — help reduce contamination risk through proper well construction and sealing practices.
Secure Your Land, Secure Your Future
Your land’s value depends on the quality of its water. Groundwater contamination doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker — but it should always be part of your due diligence. Before you buy or drill, make sure your water source is protected.
Texas Southern Drilling provides compliant well construction and guidance to help reduce contamination risk and protect your investment. Request a FREE consultation today.
Sources: EPA, TGPC, Texas Tribune, CRG Texas, Daughtrey Law