Groundwater in Dickens County contains sulfate, nitrate, iron, chloride, fluoride, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants--particularly sulfate and nitrate--are present at very high and concerning concentrations that well owners should monitor.
These contaminants come from a mix of natural and human sources. The High Plains aquifer sits above rock layers that naturally contain sulfate and other salts; water moving through these rocks picks up dissolved minerals over time. Nitrate and chloride often enter from agricultural practices and septic systems in the area, which add nitrogen and salt to the groundwater as it percolates down.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated sulfate, sodium, and high total hardness that reflect the mineral-rich rock layers below. The High Plains aquifer here sits above and within rock that releases these minerals into water as it flows through. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Dickens County commonly contain chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Drinking water with high nitrate can harm infants and interfere with oxygen in the blood. Fluoride, manganese, and iron at elevated levels can affect bone and tooth development in children and cause nervous system issues with long-term exposure. Chloride and sulfate at high levels may cause digestive problems and other health concerns.
The water in this county is very hard, which creates practical problems in your home. You will likely see rust-colored stains on your sinks, tubs, and clothing from iron in the water. The water may taste salty or bitter. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines because mineral buildup clogs and damages them.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel testing for metals and minerals costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what treatment your well needs. Water softeners and iron filters are common solutions for the mineral concerns in this area.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 24 | 96% | Moderate | High | |
| Nitrate | 7 | 29% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 54 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 165 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Chloride | 24 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Manganese | 30 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 12 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 12 | — | 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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