Groundwater in Jeff Davis County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning and warrant attention from well owners.
The rocks beneath this county naturally release these minerals and metals into groundwater as water moves slowly through them over time. The dry desert environment means little rainfall to dilute these dissolved substances, so they concentrate in the water. Mining and ranching activities in the area can also add nitrate to groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is soft but elevated in sodium, with moderate iron present. These minerals come from the rock layers below and accumulate as water sits underground in an arid region with limited water movement. Most wells in Jeff Davis County show these same mineral characteristics.
Wells in Jeff Davis County commonly contain arsenic, fluoride, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage the kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone health. Manganese can harm brain development, especially in children. Nitrate is a concern for infants and can reduce oxygen in the blood.
County wells also have elevated sodium, which gives water a salty taste. The water is naturally soft, so you won't see heavy scale buildup on pipes like in harder-water areas. However, some wells show moderate iron levels that can cause reddish staining on fixtures and clothes.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could be higher or lower than the county average. Testing costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what needs treatment. Reverse osmosis filters or activated carbon systems can address many of these contaminants.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 119 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 80 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 114 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 35 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 285 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 80 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| pH | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 13 | — | 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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