Chloride, sulfate, nitrate, fluoride, and iron are present in Concho County groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention from well owners.
The rock beneath this county naturally contains dissolved minerals and salts that leach into groundwater over time. Nitrate can also enter from fertilizer and livestock waste seeping down through soil. These sources combine to create elevated salt and mineral levels across the region.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by extremely high sulfate and sodium along with substantial hardness minerals. The local rock formation dissolves these salts readily as water percolates through it over many years. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Concho County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, fluoride, iron, nitrate, and sulfate. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect kidney function and cause digestive problems. Fluoride in high amounts can damage tooth enamel and bones. Nitrate poses special risk to infants and can reduce oxygen in the blood. Iron above health standards may affect the nervous system over time.
The county's water is extremely hard with very high sodium and sulfate levels. This causes white scale buildup on fixtures, in pipes, and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan. You may notice rust staining on sinks and laundry, a bitter or salty taste, and a rotten egg smell from the sulfate. Soap and shampoo won't lather well, and your skin and hair may feel dry.
Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive water test to see what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Depending on results, treatment options like water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, or specialized filters can help 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 3 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 8 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 50 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 232 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 42 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 7 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | 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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