Government records from the U.S. Geological Survey provide a broad overview of groundwater quality from 55 wells sampled in Bexar County's aquifer 218EDRDA area. These samples, collected from 180 to 2326 feet deep between 2010 and 2026, measured total dissolved solids (TDS) with a median of 302.0 mg/L and a range from 0.31 to 513.0 mg/L. While four samples showed levels above the secondary aesthetic threshold of 500.0 mg/L, this is not a health-based limit or indication of unsafe water.
Belief: Plumbing Materials and Age Create Water Quality Problems Separate from the Well
It is often thought that older pipes or certain plumbing materials cause water issues independent of source water quality. While plumbing can influence taste or cause discoloration through corrosion or buildup, these effects are distinct from the dissolved solids measured at the well source. USGS data pertains to water quality before it reaches household plumbing. If concerns about staining or taste arise, plumbing condition should be assessed separately alongside water source testing.
Belief: Household Symptoms Always Indicate Well Water Quality Issues
Common household symptoms such as unusual taste, odor, or visible deposits might be attributed to well water quality. However, these do not always point to high total dissolved solids or source water contamination. For example, an elevated TDS level within the Bexar County range is not a direct health risk but may affect aesthetic qualities like taste or staining. Symptoms related to plumbing or appliance aging can mimic water quality issues but require different investigation.
Belief: All Fixtures and Appliances Are Affected Equally by Water Quality
Fixtures and appliances that use water can respond differently to the water’s dissolved solids content. Hot water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines often show scaling or deposits first because dissolved solids can precipitate at elevated temperatures or interfere with detergent effectiveness. Faucets and showerheads may also develop spotting or deposits. Understanding which equipment presents the earliest signs can help target water treatment appropriately.
Belief: Treatment Systems Require Frequent, Complex Maintenance
The documented treatment solution, the Autotrol Complete Well System, is designed for straightforward upkeep suited to residential households. With a grain capacity of 32,000, its maintenance rhythm involves periodic replenishment of treatment media and basic operational checks. This rhythm supports consistent performance addressing the dissolved solids range common to Bexar County's aquifer while minimizing user effort.
Belief: Exceeding Aesthetic Secondary Standards Means Health Risk
Aesthetic secondary standards, like the 500.0 mg/L threshold for total dissolved solids, relate to water taste, staining potential, and corrosivity—not health safety. In Bexar County’s records, few wells cross this line, and even then it is not considered a violation or unsafe condition. Differentiating these standards helps households focus treatment efforts on improving water appearance and user comfort, rather than responding to unfounded health concerns.
Belief: Testing Should Start with Complex or Expensive Methods
Resolving questions about well water quality should proceed logically from simplest to more detailed steps. Begin by inspecting plumbing conditions and household appliances for signs consistent with water quality issues. Next, obtain a certified laboratory analysis of the household well’s water focusing on total dissolved solids and related parameters. This directs assessment precisely to the water source, distinguishing it from plumbing influences.
In summary, the critical step for any household experiencing concerns about water quality from a complete well in Bexar County is to order a professional laboratory test of their own well water. A measured total dissolved solids level will clarify if municipal data reflects their specific situation and guide the effectiveness of treatments such as the Autotrol Complete Well System. This test result provides definitive direction for resolving residential water quality questions effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2026-06-02. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.
On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Total dissolved solids in the 218EDRDA aquifer (Bexar County): 813 results from 55 wells, median 302.0 mg/L, range 0.31-513.0 mg/L; 4 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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