Groundwater in Jeff Davis County contains chloride and fluoride as top contaminants, along with moderate hardness, but contaminant levels here are low and do not exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should be aware of these substances but do not face urgent health concerns from them.
Chloride and fluoride enter groundwater through natural processes in this area. The surficial aquifer system sits close to the surface, where rainwater percolates down through sand and clay materials. As water moves through these layers, it dissolves small amounts of these minerals from the rock and soil. The shallow nature of the aquifer and the composition of local materials keep most contaminant levels from building up to dangerous concentrations.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium present in the water. These minerals dissolve as water passes through the sandy and clay-based materials that make up the aquifer. Moderate hardness is a common characteristic across most wells in this county due to the mineral composition of the local geology.
Good news: wells in Jeff Davis County do not show contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Your well water is not at risk for the serious health concerns that affect some other areas.
Moderately hard water is common in this county's wells, along with moderate iron levels. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes and appliances. You might notice reduced lather from soap and shampoo. Over time, hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Iron can cause reddish or brownish staining on fixtures and laundry.
Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which runs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can address hardness, and iron removal systems can reduce staining.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
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