Groundwater in Crosby County contains nitrate, arsenic, and fluoride that well owners should be aware of. Arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese exceed EPA health standards, and the water is very hard with moderate sodium and sulfate.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock layers beneath the county and from agricultural activity on the surface. The High Plains aquifer sits in sandy and gravelly sediment that allows nitrate from fertilizers and animal waste to reach groundwater. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally where water moves through the rock, dissolving these elements over time.
Crosby County groundwater is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. This hardness is widespread across wells throughout the county. The water also contains moderate amounts of sodium and sulfate that accumulate in the groundwater as it passes through the local geology.
Arsenic, fluoride, manganese, nitrate, and iron are contaminants that exceed EPA health standards in wells across this county. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone health and tooth development in children. Manganese exposure can harm the nervous system, especially in babies and young children. Nitrate is particularly dangerous for infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood.
The very hard water in this county will create stubborn scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. You may notice rust-colored or brown staining from iron on sinks and laundry. This hardness can significantly shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. Hard water also makes soap less effective and can leave your skin and hair feeling dry.
We recommend testing your well to learn exactly what is in your water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two and four hundred dollars and is the best way to know what treatment your water needs. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or water softeners can address multiple concerns at once.
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 | 12 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 98 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 189 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 103 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 98 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | 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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