Well water in El Paso County contains radon, arsenic, and chloride that require your attention. Multiple contaminants including arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate exceed EPA health standards in this area.
These contaminants come from several sources in the local rocks and human activity. Radon and some metals like arsenic and uranium occur naturally in the bedrock. Chloride, sulfate, and nitrate accumulate from dissolved minerals in the rock layers, plus contributions from agriculture and septic systems that have leaked into groundwater over time.
Groundwater in El Paso County is hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the local rock, and it also contains high sodium and moderate sulfate. The rock formations here naturally release these minerals as water passes through them underground. These mineral characteristics are widespread across the county's wells.
Several contaminants in El Paso County wells exceed EPA health standards, including arsenic, lead, radon, fluoride, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS chemicals. Arsenic and lead damage the kidneys and nervous system with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Nitrate is especially harmful to infants and can cause serious illness. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone health. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to cancer and immune system problems.
County wells often contain hard water with elevated sodium and sulfate. Hard water leaves scale buildup on pipes and appliances, and it can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice rust staining on fixtures and laundry, or a bitter or salty taste in the water. Soap does not lather well, and dishes may spot after washing.
Testing your well is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Since multiple health concerns are present in the county, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which costs between $200 and $400. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common here, so individual testing is essential before deciding on treatment. Water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, and special filters can address different contaminants depending on your results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 18 | 33% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 473 | 31% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 376 | 26% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 739 | 24% | High | High | |
| Iron | 964 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 376 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 447 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 95 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 95 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 162 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 4423 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 95 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 164 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 95 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 95 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 75 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 375 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 95 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 395 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 355 | — | High | 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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