Groundwater in Childress County contains arsenic, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants--chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and arsenic--are present at concerning concentrations that well owners need to address.
The rock layers beneath this county naturally contain dissolved salts and minerals that leach into groundwater over time. Nitrate also enters from agricultural activity on the land above. Together, the geology and farming practices in this area push these contaminant levels high.
Groundwater in this county is sulfur-bearing, with very high sulfate being the defining mineral character. The underlying rock naturally dissolves and releases sulfate into the water as it moves through. This characteristic is widespread across wells throughout Childress County.
Wells in Childress County can contain arsenic, chloride, nitrate, PFOS, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can damage your organs and increase cancer risk. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Chloride at high levels can raise blood pressure in some people. PFOS is a chemical that stays in your body and may weaken your immune system.
The very high sulfate levels common in county well water often cause a laxative effect--meaning loose stools or diarrhea. You may notice a bitter or salty taste. High sulfate can also corrode metal pipes and plumbing fixtures over time, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
Every well in this county 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 properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or ion exchange systems can remove these contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 5 | 80% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 42 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 19 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 131 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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