Groundwater in Borden County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers serious enough to warrant attention and treatment.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil beneath the county. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the High Plains aquifer rock formation. Nitrate can enter groundwater from agricultural activity and septic systems in the area. Iron and manganese leach into water from the rock layers themselves as water moves slowly underground.
Groundwater in this county is moderately high in iron, which comes from minerals in the rock formation. Wells across Borden County show iron at moderate levels, and iron is a common characteristic of water drawn from this aquifer in the region. Other mineral content varies from well to well depending on depth and location.
Wells in Borden County can contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time can increase the risk of cancer and harm the kidneys and nervous system. Fluoride at elevated levels can cause dental problems, especially in children. Nitrate is harmful to infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Manganese in high amounts can affect the brain and nervous system development.
Iron and manganese in county well water create orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. These minerals can leave a metallic taste in drinking water and cause unpleasant odors. Iron buildup can clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time.
We recommend testing your well since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and will tell you exactly what you are dealing with. Iron and manganese can be removed with filtration systems or water softeners designed for these specific problems.
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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