Groundwater in Cottle County contains nitrate, uranium, manganese, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels and well owners should be aware of them.
Nitrate enters groundwater from agricultural fertilizers and animal waste that seep down through the soil. Uranium and manganese occur naturally in the rock beneath this county and dissolve into water as it flows through underground layers. Iron also comes from the local rock formations.
Groundwater in this county is characterized by elevated iron and manganese from the rock below. As water moves through these underground layers, it picks up dissolved metals. Iron and manganese are common across wells throughout Cottle County.
Iron, manganese, nitrate, and uranium are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells across Cottle County. Uranium exposure increases cancer risk and can damage kidneys and bones. Nitrate poses particular danger to infants and young children, interfering with oxygen transport in the blood. Manganese at elevated levels can harm the nervous system and affect brain development, especially in children.
Iron in county well water leaves rust-colored stains on clothes, fixtures, and plumbing. Manganese causes similar brown or black staining. Both minerals can create an unpleasant metallic taste and odor. These stains are difficult to remove and can accumulate in appliances and pipes over time.
Your well is unique, and contaminant levels in your water may differ from what is common across the county. 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. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can address multiple 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 9 | 22% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 35 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 37 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 48 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 35 | 0% | Moderate | 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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