Groundwater in Archer County contains nitrate, iron, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers a concern for drinking water safety.
Nitrate comes mainly from fertilizers used in farming and from livestock waste that seeps down into the groundwater. Iron occurs naturally in the rocks beneath the county and dissolves into the water as it flows through them. Fluoride is also present naturally in the local rock formations and enters the water during the same process.
Groundwater in this county is notable for elevated fluoride and nitrate rather than for hardness or iron character. The other rocks that make up the aquifer here contain fluoride naturally, and farming practices in the area contribute nitrogen compounds that become nitrate underground. These elevated levels are found across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Archer County sometimes have fluoride, iron, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride exposure over time can cause dental fluorosis, which affects tooth appearance and strength, especially in children whose teeth are still developing. Iron and nitrate can both cause health problems when consumed regularly at high levels. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and pregnant women.
High iron in county well water creates orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Iron also gives water a metallic taste that many people find unpleasant. These stains can be stubborn to clean and build up over time on sinks and bathtubs.
We recommend testing your well water to find out exactly what is in it, since every well in the county is different and yours could have much higher or lower levels than the average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel testing for metals and minerals runs between $200 and $400 and will give you the full picture. Iron removal systems and nitrate filters are two common treatment options that can address these concerns.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 9 | 44% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 271 | 5% | High | Moderate |
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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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