Groundwater in Foard County contains sulfate, nitrate, chloride, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Sulfate concentrations are very high, while the other contaminants are present at elevated levels that warrant attention.
The underlying rock layers in this area naturally contain dissolved salts and minerals. As water moves slowly through these rocks, sulfate and chloride accumulate over time. Nitrate enters from agricultural activities in the region, where fertilizers seep down into the groundwater.
Groundwater in Foard County is notably sulfur-bearing, driven by very high sulfate concentrations. These salts dissolve naturally from the rock as water sits underground in contact with it. Sulfate-rich water is a widespread finding across wells in this county.
Wells in Foard County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, fluoride, iron, nitrate, and sulfate. Chloride and nitrate at elevated levels can harm your health over time. Fluoride in excess amounts can damage children's developing teeth. Iron and nitrate each pose separate health concerns for different age groups and conditions.
County wells show very high sulfate levels, which creates a strong taste and odor in the water that many people find unpleasant. The sulfate can also corrode plumbing and shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice your clothes feel stiff after washing or see buildup on fixtures.
Because every well is different, your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like water softeners or reverse osmosis systems can help.
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 | 2 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 4 | 75% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 20 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 45 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Manganese | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | 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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