Groundwater in Dawson County contains arsenic, chloride, sulfate, fluoride, uranium, and nitrate at levels that exceed health standards set by the EPA. Several of these contaminants reach very high or moderate concern levels, making testing and treatment important for well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil layers that make up the High Plains aquifer. Arsenic, uranium, and fluoride occur naturally in the underground layers here. Chloride and sulfate build up because water moves slowly through the rocks, allowing minerals to concentrate over time. Nitrate can come from fertilizer use on farms and ranches above the aquifer.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated sulfate and high sodium concentrations in the water. The sandy and gravelly layers of the High Plains aquifer contain minerals that dissolve easily as water passes through, adding these dissolved solids to the water over time. Wells across the county show these same mineral characteristics, making this a widespread pattern in the area.
Wells in Dawson County commonly have arsenic, uranium, nitrate, and fluoride above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive elements that can damage your kidneys and bones over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can affect how blood carries oxygen. Fluoride at high levels can cause dental and skeletal problems.
The county's water is very hard and contains high levels of minerals like sulfate and sodium. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It makes soap less effective and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a bitter or salty taste, and some people see rust staining on fixtures and laundry.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel to see what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know exactly what needs treating. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or ion exchange systems 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 118 | 85% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 212 | 57% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 25 | 24% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 126 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 37 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 119 | 3% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 118 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | 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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