Wells Branch Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
614.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.64
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Wells Branch, your appliances are currently losing 32% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Wells Branch | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -80% |
| Washing Machine | 4.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -61% |
| Water Heater | 6 yrs | 15 yrs | -60% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Wells Branch compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Wells Branch, Texas | 240.5 mg/L | 8.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Pflugerville, Texas | 434 mg/L | 12.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Round Rock, Texas | 101 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Brushy Creek, Texas | 361.5 mg/L | 10.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Jollyville, Texas | 180 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Wells Branch compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Wells Branch | 240.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Wells Branch's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Wells Branch, Texas, in Travis County — a Travis County unincorporated community adjacent to Pflugerville and Round Rock in north Austin metro — receives its water from Austin Water or a local Municipal Utility District (MUD), drawing from the Colorado River (Lake Austin and Lake Travis) and the Edwards Aquifer through the central Texas metro distribution.
The very hard 240.5 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 614.5 mg/L reflect the Travis County Edwards Limestone supply's very hard calcareous character — the Cretaceous Edwards Limestone is one of the most productive but also most calcareous aquifer systems in the United States, and Colorado River impoundments accumulate dissolved minerals from the Hill Country calcareous watershed (compare Austin TX: 238/610 in Travis County comparable; Round Rock TX: 242/618 in Williamson County comparable; Wells Branch consistent very hard from the same Travis County Colorado River-Edwards Limestone supply). The Texas Hill Country at Travis County — Cretaceous Edwards Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Austin Chalk (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Colorado River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 240.5 mg/L with TDS 615, Wells Branch's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking. The PFAS level of 8.2 ppt is elevated — a certified drinking water filter is recommended — the Travis County central Texas military (former Camp Mabry) and industrial sources contribute to Wells Branch's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Wells Branch in Travis County draws from Austin Water on the Colorado River (Travis County, central Texas) — the Texas Hill Country at Travis County is underlain by Cretaceous Edwards Limestone (highly calcareous) and Cretaceous Austin Chalk (calcareous) — Texas Travis County Colorado River Edwards Limestone Cretaceous calcareous supply produces very hard water at 240.5 mg/L with TDS 614.5 mg/L.