Groundwater in Hartley County contains arsenic, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed federal health standards. These three contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to regulate.
These metals come from the rock layers underground in this region. The High Plains aquifer sits above older rock that naturally contains iron, manganese, and arsenic. As water moves slowly through the ground over time, it dissolves these metals from the rock and carries them into wells.
Groundwater in Hartley County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The limestone and other minerals in the aquifer dissolve into the water as it passes through, leaving behind these hardness-causing minerals. Very hard water is the normal condition across most wells in this county.
Wells in Hartley County commonly have arsenic, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure can harm your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Iron and manganese can affect your nervous system and organs with long-term exposure. Testing your well is the first step to understanding what you're dealing with.
The very hard water in county wells will leave white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap less effective and can leave spots on dishes and glass. Over time, this extreme hardness can shorten the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You may also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water.
We recommend getting a comprehensive water test done right away, since your well may have these contaminants at higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A full metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or point-of-use filters can help reduce arsenic and other contaminants.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 166 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 157 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 162 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 304 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 154 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 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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