Groundwater in Deaf Smith County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, and uranium. These contaminants are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and need attention.
These elements come from the rock layers beneath the High Plains aquifer in this region. As water moves slowly through sand and gravel below the surface, it dissolves these minerals naturally. Uranium, arsenic, and fluoride are present in the rock itself. Iron and manganese also occur naturally in these underground layers.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium in the water as it passes through limestone and mineral-rich layers. The High Plains aquifer here sits in an area where water moves through rock that releases these dissolved minerals over time. This very hard water is widespread across wells throughout the county.
Deaf Smith County wells contain arsenic, fluoride, lead, uranium, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs over time and increase cancer risk. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone and tooth development. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Uranium and manganese also pose health concerns with long-term exposure.
The county has very hard water that leaves scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Soap doesn't work as well in hard water, and you may notice spots on dishes after washing. Very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. Some people also notice a metallic taste or odor in their water.
Testing is recommended because every well is different--your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel checking for metals and minerals runs between two and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Once you know what contaminants are present, you can treat them properly with options like reverse osmosis or water softening systems.
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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