Groundwater in Hemphill County contains nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations high enough that well owners should be aware and take action.
Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizer use and livestock waste in agricultural areas across the High Plains. Iron and manganese occur naturally in the rock and soil layers that make up the High Plains aquifer in this region. As water moves slowly through these layers over time, it dissolves these metals from the surrounding material.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock formation below. The High Plains aquifer here contains limestone and mineral-rich layers that release these hardening minerals into water as it passes through. Very hard water conditions are widespread across wells throughout Hemphill County based on the data from this area.
Wells in Hemphill County commonly contain iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese can build up in the body over time and affect organ function and the nervous system. Nitrate poses a particular risk to infants and young children, interfering with how their blood carries oxygen.
The very hard water in this county creates stubborn scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and inside appliances. This scale reduces water flow and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice white crusty deposits on faucets and showerheads, and soap becomes less effective for cleaning clothes and dishes. Some people also detect a slightly salty taste from the moderate sodium content.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all these contaminants, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can address hardness, while other systems like filtration or ion exchange can target specific metals and nitrate.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 22 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 79 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 79 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 145 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | 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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