Groundwater in Deaf Smith County contains arsenic, fluoride, uranium, iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present in amounts serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
These contaminants come from the rock layers that make up the High Plains aquifer in this region. Uranium, arsenic, and fluoride occur naturally in the underground gravel and sand layers here, and over time they dissolve into the water as it moves slowly underground. Iron and manganese also come from minerals in the aquifer rock itself. These are common issues across the Texas Panhandle because all the neighboring counties share the same aquifer and geology.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolved from the aquifer rock. The water also contains moderate amounts of sodium and sulfate, which add to the overall mineral content. These characteristics are widespread across the county--wells throughout the area show similar patterns of hardness and mineral concentration because they all draw from the same underground formation.
Wells in Deaf Smith County commonly have arsenic, fluoride, lead, uranium, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive elements that can increase cancer risk over time. Lead harms children's brain development and learning. Fluoride at high levels can damage bones and teeth. Manganese can affect the nervous system with long-term exposure.
The very hard water in county wells leaves scale buildup on faucets and inside pipes, making appliances like water heaters and dishwashers wear out faster. You may see rust stains from iron, and the moderate sulfate levels can create a bitter taste. Hard water makes soap less effective and can leave spots on dishes and skin.
We recommend testing your well water because every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Treatments like reverse osmosis filters or activated carbon can remove many of 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 647 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Iron | 300 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 40 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 285 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 293 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 285 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 22 | 0% | Moderate | 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 ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| 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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