Water hardness and sodium trends in Texas aquifers.

Median hardness and sodium levels in groundwater were calculated for 244 Texas counties from measurements at 7728 water wells. The data were mapped and analyzed with a geographic information system (GIS). County median hardness levels varied widely, from 4-2304 mg L-1. More than 60% of the counties had hardness medians above 180 mg L-1. County medium sodium concentrations ranged from 6-1170 mg L-1, with more than 90% of those values exceeding 20 mg L-1. There was a significant positive correlation between hardness and sodium concentrations in six of Texas' nine major aquifers. A significant negative correlation between hardness and sodium was observed in two aquifers. Several factors control hardness and sodium variations in Texas aquifers including rock/sediment composition, groundwater chemical evolution, and seepage from nearby formations. Probable human controls include agricultural return flow and pumping-induced saltwater intrusion.