Well Water in Carson County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Carson County contains radon, chloride, fluoride, arsenic, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that warrant attention from well owners.

These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil beneath the county. Radon comes from natural radioactive decay in the rock layers. Chloride, fluoride, arsenic, and manganese occur naturally in the underground gravel and sand that make up the High Plains aquifer. Lead can enter water through old pipes or natural deposits in the ground. The flat terrain and agricultural land use in this area don't protect against these naturally occurring minerals.

Groundwater in Carson County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock and soil. These minerals accumulate in the water as it moves slowly through the underground gravel layers beneath the county. Hard water is widespread across wells in this area.

Wells in Carson County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are harmful metals that build up in your body over time and can damage your kidneys, nerves, and bones. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in for years. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone health and dental development in children. Manganese in drinking water can harm brain development and nerve function.

The water in this county is very hard, which means you will probably see white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap work poorly and can leave spots on dishes and glass. Very hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines because scale clogs them up. You may notice a metallic taste or orange staining from iron, though iron levels in the county are generally low.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it correctly. A comprehensive metals and minerals test runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show you exactly what you are dealing with. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, ion exchange softeners, and radon removal systems can address different contaminants.