Groundwater in Borden County contains arsenic, nitrate, iron, fluoride, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are high enough that well owners should test their water and understand what is present.
Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the rock layers of the High Plains aquifer here. Nitrate enters the groundwater from fertilizer use and septic systems in the area. Iron and manganese leach from the rock itself as water moves through the underground layers.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron and manganese from the rock that surrounds the aquifer. As water sits in contact with these mineral-rich layers, it dissolves iron and manganese over time. Most wells in Borden County show elevated levels of these metals, though the amount varies from one well to another.
Wells in Borden County commonly contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and fluoride can damage kidneys and bones with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Manganese can affect the nervous system over time.
Iron and manganese in county well water leave rust-colored or brown stains on plumbing fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water. These minerals can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Your well is different from others in the county, so your water may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants. 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 costs between $200 and $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or ion exchange systems can help.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 28 | 43% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 12 | 25% | Low | High | |
| Iron | 31 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Fluoride | 59 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 28 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 2 | 0% | 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.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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